Okay, I'm trying to put my cynicism and arrogance behind me (if you know me you'll understand how difficult that is). I'll try to use this page for more constructive purposes than railing and flailing at powers-that-be. My previous self-righteous postings don't really serve anyone's purposes but my own, and why would anyone what to read that? From now on, only positive reflections on our experience here in the sub-continent.
In that spirit I'd like to share the Jain "Namokara Mantra" that I attempted to recit at the statue of Gomateswara at Shavanabelagola (okay, I was too embarrassed to actually do it out loud, but the intent was there). The mantra is from a 162 B.C. Hathigumpha inscription.
In that spirit I'd like to share the Jain "Namokara Mantra" that I attempted to recit at the statue of Gomateswara at Shavanabelagola (okay, I was too embarrassed to actually do it out loud, but the intent was there). The mantra is from a 162 B.C. Hathigumpha inscription.
Gomateswara
"Namo arihantanam,
Namo siddhanam,
Namo ayariyanam,
Namo uvajjhayanam,
Namo loe sawa sahunam,
Esopancananokkaro, sawapavappanasano,
Mangala nam ca sawesim,
Padamama havai mangalam."
( I bow to those defeating anger, ego, deception and greed,
I bow to the liberated souls,
I bow to the religious guides and instructors,
I bow to the teachers,
I bow to the wandering ascetics,
This five-fold vow destroys all sins and obstacles and of all auspicious mantras is the first and foremost one.)
Namo siddhanam,
Namo ayariyanam,
Namo uvajjhayanam,
Namo loe sawa sahunam,
Esopancananokkaro, sawapavappanasano,
Mangala nam ca sawesim,
Padamama havai mangalam."
( I bow to those defeating anger, ego, deception and greed,
I bow to the liberated souls,
I bow to the religious guides and instructors,
I bow to the teachers,
I bow to the wandering ascetics,
This five-fold vow destroys all sins and obstacles and of all auspicious mantras is the first and foremost one.)