Namokar Mantra

Namo Arihantanam

I bow in reverence to Arihants

Namo Siddhanam

I bow in reverence to Siddhas

Namo Ayariyanam

I bow in reverence to Acharyas

Namo Uvajjhayanam

I bow in reverence to Upadhyayas

Namo Loye Savva Sahunam

I bow in reverence to all Sadhus

Eso Panch Namukkaro

This five-fold salutation

Savva Pavappanasano

Destroys all sins

Mangalanam Cha Savvesim

And amongst all auspicious things

Padhamam Havai Mangalam

Is the most auspicious one

Navkar Mantra
The Navkar Mantra is the most important mantra in Jainism. While reciting the Navkar Mantra, we are bowing down with respect Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharya(heads of sadhus and sadhvis), Upadhyaya (those who teach scriptures to sadhus and sadhvis), Sadhus (monks, who have voluntarily given up social, economical and family relationships) and Sadhvis (nuns, who have voluntarily given up social, economical and family relationships). Collectively, they are called Panch Parmesthi (five supreme spiritual people). In this mantra we worship their virtues rather than worshipping any one particular person or Tirthankar. This mantra is also called Namaskar or Namokar Mantra as we are bowing down.

ARIHANTAS

The word Arihanta is made up of two words: 1) Ari, meaning enemies, and 2)hanta, meaning destroyer of the enemies. These enemies are inner desires known as passions such as anger, ego, deception, and greed within us. When a person (soul) wins over these inner enemies he/she is called Arihanta. Arihanta destroys the four ghati karmas namely Jnanavarniya (knowledge blocking) Karma, Darshanavarniya (perception blocking) Karma, Mohniya (passion causing) Karma and Antaraya (obstacle causing) Karma. Arihanta attains: 1) Kevaljnan, perfect knowledge due to the destruction of all Jnanavarniya Karmas, 2) Kevaldarshan, perfect perception due to the destruction of all Darshanavarniya karmas, 3) becomes passionless due to the destruction of all Mohniya Karmas, and 4) gains infinite power due to the destruction of all Antaraya Karmas.

SIDDHAS

Siddhas are the liberated souls. They are no longer among us because they have completely ended the cycle of birth and death. They have reached the ultimate highest state, salvation. They do not have any karmas, and they do not collect any new karmas. This state of true freedom is called Moksha.

ACHARYAS

Acharyas carry the message of Jina. They are our spiritual leaders. Acharyas must have to do in-depth study and achieve mastery of the Jain scriptures (Ägams). In addition to acquiring a high level of spiritual excellence, they have the ability to lead the monks and nuns. They know various languages with a sound knowledge of other philosophies and religions of the area and the world.

UPADHYAYAS

The title Upadhyayas is given to those Sadhus who have acquired a special knowledge of the Ägams and philosophical systems. They teach Jain scriptures to sadhus and sadhvis.

SADHUS AND SADHVIS

When householders become detached from the worldly aspects of life and get the desire for spiritual uplift (and not worldly uplift), they give up their worldly lives and become sadhus (monk) or sadhvis (nun). A male person is called sadhu, and a female person is called sadhvi. At the time of Deeksha, the sadhu or sadhvi voluntarily accepts to obey following five major vows for the rest of his/her life:

1. Commitment of Total Ahimsa (non-violence)-not to commit any type of violence.

2. Commitment of Total Satya (truth)-not to indulge in any type of lie or falsehood.

3. Commitment of Total Asteya (non-stealing)-not to take anything unless it is given.

4. Commitment of Total Brahmacharya (celibacy)-not to indulge in any sensual activities

5. Commitment of Total Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)-not to acquire more than what is needed to maintain day to day life.