JAINISM--WELCOME THE GOLDEN PERIOD OF CHATURMAS-----------!!!

While returning from Chaturmas Organisation Committee, I remembered to post  2017 Chaturmas time table for my blog readers. It can help to plan activities accordingly.

1-Four months Chaturmas period starting -full moon day--08/07/2017. As a custom "Poornima" means beginning.
2-8 days Praryushan Parva Start-19/08/2017-13th day of fortnight.
3- Sawastari's one day--26/08/2017.---Panchmee. 
4-Forgiveness day ( Khamatkhamna )-27/08/2017.
5-Mahaveerswami salvation day ( Nirvan Day)-Dipawali----19/10/2017. Full dark day (Amawasya).
5-Chaturmas ends--Full moon day----03/11/2017.
Thus at the end of Aashadha month and from Starting of Shravan month this golden period starts up . It ends in Kartika month.

Different branches can have some variations in above time table. Reader are requested to follow the prescribed time table as per their faith. The aim is to follow Jinwani barring few exceptions.
    While writing this blog I recollected small story told by Gurudeo last year, He asked simple mathematical puzzle. He asked what remains if 4 is being subtracted from 12. All listeners answered in chorus --"8". Gurudeo termed it as wrong  answer. The right answer was Zero. He explained that out of 12 months of a year if 4 months of rainy season is subtracted, then the entire life of human species will be in danger.Like wise if we wasted this golden period of Chaturmas without religious activities, our life will have zero spiritual balance and value.
The period is specially designed for students and career oriented people who are unable to spare time in full year for religious engagement. As followers of Bhagwan Mahaveer we know that unless we cut the bad deeds built salvation is not possible.

So to cut  accumulated balance of negative deeds off whatever possible, we must try to do. For it this period can be used to maximum possible extent

         Fast,Samaik. Pratikaman,Poshad are tools to get engaged in religious activities. But in case one has own limitations, he can opt for comparative simpler tools as- accompanying monks for food (Gochari).As we know Sadhuji cannot leave the particular location for four months .The reason being in this season maximum souls take birth in plants and tiny animals category so one can look after them. ( In balance 8 months the allowed maximum  stay period
with reason for lady monk is not more than 59 nights and male monk 29 days). One  can  also participate in administration work for arranging visitors came for Gurudeo and other similar work. Such work comes under "Dharma Prabhavana".
     If one is victim of bad habits like drinking,smoking and similar one ,try to give it up or restrict to possible extent in this period.But decide not to go to mix restaurants or participate in food having non vegetarian and or eggetarian menu. One can also avoid eating roots and night meals if possible.It is our choice to follow possible
 ways. If one is too busy, he must take care not to miss 8 days of Prayushan which covers " Antagaarahsutra" reading. What may come there is no point to miss fast on "Sawastari" day with Pratikaman .On this particular day chances of next life fixation are high.It is known "Aayushyabandh" moment.

In case one is out of India and has no access to Sadhuji ,Sthanak,Derasar or Upashraya then he can spare time to read Jinawani through Aagaam.

 Thus it depends on individual to individual how to use this golden opportunity. If we miss it ,salvation will get extended. If we use our potentials to maximum we definitely can reduce burden of sins. We must remember the lines told by Bhagwan to Guru Guatamswami in 10 chapter of "Utradhyansutra" ( Samyam Goyama ma Pamayae) means please do not waste a fraction of second without good deed since the lost time can never be regained.

JAI JINENDRA---- JAI MAHAVEER-------------!!!

JAINISM--HONORING NAVKAR MANTRA------------------!!!

"Dear kids in last lecture we have seen meaning of Navkarmanta,

Now I will discuss how to honor it and it's five highest spiritual entities "Gurudeo was speaking at last lecture of this summer camp for kids. The meeting was marked by massive attendance of kids.
To mark this blog's viewership reaching to plus 35000 figure from 10 countries, I with most humbleness present his lecture. Since it is our auspicious Navkar, hope will serve many devotees and readers.

" Before taking up actual topic let us rewind some of the important 

 aspects of Navkarmantra so some new members can be benefited.
It is most unique and auspicious summary of Jainism. It implies following two important points. I hope it will be useful to you all.
1-Status,power,wealth,personality is immaterial. Only virtues of soul needs to be worshiped when you surrender to highest authorities
2-Bowing down with proper and correct feelings and due respect is best way to show gratitude for such great divine and pure powers.

It is bowing down to 108 virtues of souls  included in this mantra viz- Arihant (12) + Siddha (08) + Aacharya (36) + Upadhya (25), +Saadhu (27). One can study it from Pratikaman book. Arihant and Siddha is ultimate destination and last three are travelers to achieve the aimed target. With correct life they will attain target on due time

All those souls who have conquered enemies of soul, can become Arihant and Siddha irrespective of caste, creed. nationality and other constraints. Out of eight Karmas, Siddaha Bhagwan conquered all 8 Karmas while Arihant Bhagwan and Kewali Bhagwan has yet to clear body related 4 non severe Karma (Aghati).They have  already fully cleared severe and dangerous four Karmas namely ( Ghati ).It is Naam,Aayushya,Gotra and Vedniya as long as their body remains. 
They will finish the body related all four Karmas before getting salvation on due moment. 20 Viharman are at present are "Arihant".

Let us discuss ways to honor it. You are aware of honoring National Flag, National Anthem ,parents, seniors and teachers. Like it is most important to honor Navkarmantra for all times and all ages groups.

A.-Honoring  Navkarmantra.
B- Honoring  Arihant and Siddha Bhagwan.
C- Honoring Aacharya, Upadhya and Monks (Saadhuji).
A- One may be chattering Navkarsutra often with pure heart. Most such time ,he is away from sins. But that is not sufficient to get him salvation. Real way to honor it is to mediate and think that which virtues of those five entities made them so great and respected-----? When ,I will able to have it .I have to work hard in correct direction.
How can I improve my knowledge, faith and character. How can, I conquer bad qualities of my soul, body and organs. In no case, we
shall use this pure Mantra with a hope to end  current sufferings and gain domestic and material pleasures. Getting to Moksha be only aim

B-To honor Arihant and Siddha Bhagwan , one must have full faith on their teachings. Others or science may tell it to be wrong. But it should not shatter your faith. Reason being, science is in process of discovering truth .It's truth finding mission is a on going process for ever. It can not claim that all current findings are nothing but truth.
It's so called truth may be challenged tomorrow and may turn out to be false or half truth. But teachings of our Jineshwar Bhagwan  is

immortal,same and permanent and will not change at any given time.
So admit that with my limited knowledge ,I may not understand the teaching completely but it is the only "TRUTH". Deep in my heart- I believe it more than hundred percentage truth no matter what I hear. 

Take care, not to ask any material possession from these noble soul. Only pray to have their guidance to get salvation. Facing  8 Karma's results in a calm and quite way is the real and true tribute to them.
It is equally important to note that Mahaveerswami and all other Siddhas are body less noble souls, so do not attempt to offer them bath by water or milk and worship by flowers or rice, even if it is symbolic. Secondly out of greed do not name your commercial ventures on names of these great souls like Arihant travels, Mahveer marbles, Parshvanaath Jewelers etc. If  you cannot change name now ,take care not to cheat customers under name of those great souls.

C-This category honor is most difficult task. One may be from ages unknowingly worshiping a wrong entity. This can be the big wrong dishonor of Navkarmantra. Worshiping wrong Saadhu can lead to a sins as explained by Mahaveerswami in  08/06 "Asanvrut Angaar" chapter of Bhagwatisutra. One must read it to understand  it fully.
We are not fortunate enough to see Arihant and Siddha Bhagwan in current life. Still we have last three categories entrusted with task of

keeping the Jainism torch lit for ever. Please note only white dress and prescribed tools cannot make any monk a true Saadhu or correct follower of Bhagwan. His character and knowledge needs to be get tested to the extent of his character and how he behave for it's safety.
One may be a very good orator with sound Jainism knowledge. But this may not be sufficient to worship him. His full conduct for self according to Jinwani is a real test. To mislead masses with disguise

of Saadhu is greatest sin ever one can commit. Some are doing it.
True test is that if he is free from affection and hate and whether he is fully committed to save all the living souls. Check if he is after his name, fame and funds raising. Whether he favors particular set of people ,rich followers and hate others. Whether he is operating cell phones, laptops.running face book ,twitter and What's up accounts ,giving photo sessions and hosting television programs. He may be using vehicles for travel and asking ready food at doorstep so many deviations are possible. These are not recommended by  true Jainism.

No where Bhagwan asked, Saadhu to spread Jainism. Because one can get it only on strength of accumulated positive good deeds. Even Bhagwan never stopped his two disciples namely Jamali and second Goshalak when both refused to believe truth. Foremost monk has to concentrate on his own soul and secondly then to guide the interested followers to attain salvation. He must not engage in any activity where he fails to compromise his "Twelve Mahavratas".Bhagwan has provided a detailed guidance on allowed actions by Saadhu in the "Aagam " particularly Nishit ,Dush-Vekaalik and Aacharangsutra. He  must be within those specified boundaries set. Handful monks may be adopting easy going attitude (Shithilachhar) due to Mittyatav rise
It is a pleasant surprise large number is trying hard to be on correct path without any slight deviation from Jinwani's path for monks.

Thus one must be careful to avoid worshiping wrong entity. If you are fortunate enough to have real Saadhu as teacher, then you can know Jainism well and there is no harm to worship him as he will lift you and himself on the way of salvation .One must take care to
chat Navkar in original form without any affix like "Om" etc. like.
I was informed that in Buddhism dominated country it is an offence
to use Buddha's name with disrespect. We shall bear it in mind and
not to use Bhagwan's name for commercial use. In India number of
organizations are named using Mahveer, Arihant and Parshvanath.

Please excuse me for being too harsh and critical but that is the only way out to keep your "SAMKIT" intact and to avoid dishonor of

Navkarmantra -----------Khamatkhamna---!!! "Gurudeo concluded.

JAI MAHAVEER---------!!!---------- JAI JINENDRA-----------!!!.

JAINISM--NATURE OF INTELLECTUAL DEATH ( "PANDITMARAN ")------------PART-2.

In continuation to immediate preceding blog we will discuss related issue herewith.So far we have seen meaning of intellectual death.
A-Reasons of disowning  possessions and Body.--For getting  answer to it one has to refer two examples told by Bhagwan Mahaveerswami to Gautamswami in Bhagwatisutra.
1-16/01-Actions involved in holding hot iron by blacksmith.
2-05/06- Actions involved for Hunter hunting deer with bow and arrow.Both examples can tell how our body can be partner in future
 
There are total five sections of any action- (Kriya)---actions viz-
body related,tools and organs related, hate.causing suffering to others and violence. Bhagwan told that the blacksmith and hunter both are fixed with all five actions. Similarly the the dead soul whose body used to make killing or action weapons are also to face sins of these actions if not disowned by departing souls.
Thus suppose one is running factory and charitable hospital and has not disowned them at death time. After his death all sins on account of running of factory and hospital will be on his account along with present operators. This is due to the fact that soul is possessive for attachment to the property is still in force. The particular fellow left without disposing ownership and is in use even by others.

On the other hand he will not be credited for good deed of charity at hospital after his death. Reason being live intentions and backing to good deeds is now not existing. So giving up possessions and body is almost necessary. It can be done by spelling out things one wish to disown by speaking a special word-  Jainism terminology-"Osirami ! Osirami "- means I give up all those things by heart. With due feeling and gesture one can also give up body  and material possessions of earlier numerous lives. Provided it is done under guidance of respective Guru.
B-Reasons of  disowning love and hate----The two qualities became part of Karman body for ever unless you disown it by doing Pratikaaman, Ninda. Garha and Aalochana  for own soul.
The various relationship and it's resultant burden can accompany
the soul in all next cycles. The liabilities needs to be settled off by heart. So better to cut it off it in present life only .It was coincidence we met them ,now say goodbye and back out from deeds.

C-Time to go for Panditmaran---Death is certain but it's time is uncertain. So on daily basis one can in Samaik can speak "Santhara path" and take conditional (Sagaarisanthara). In this case it is not applicable in case life continues. Also in mind one shall always wish for -Panditmaaran. In later age if one has inner feeling that  it seems present span seems to be running out, he can opt for it with due consultation with  family and Gurudeo or monk. In case of accident or severe injury family can decide it on behalf of victim.
D-Is it suicide form---Certainly not. As state of mind is totally different in both types.In Santhara it is hearty willingness to free soul from current body as guided by Bhagwan.It is not prompted by anger or failure in life. It is not cowardly action and running from life. It is a most brave decision to give up artificial life saving tools.

Thus Panditmaran is not a overnight decision. Mind and body needs to set them with backing of mind,brain and soul. A soul who has full faith in Bhagwan Mahaveerswmai can only dare for it. Other faith can teach you art of living but only Jainism can teach you beautiful art of death. ".Gurudep concluded. Let us dream and work to achieve it on due time.

JAI JINENDRA--------------!!!-------- JAI MAHAVEER-------!!!.

JAINISM-- NATURE OF INTELLECTUAL DEATH -( "PANDITMARAN")---------PART-1.

This full black night day (Amaavasya) I attended question-answer session of Gurudeo. Before I cover captioned subject ,please allow me some time to explain those full moon night and full dark night concepts. I do it to answer a reader's query and curiosity for Thithi.
Jain astrology, space science and geography is being explained in detail in various 'Aagam-viz-Jambudvipapranapti,Chandrapranapti and Suryapranapti.It is different from western astrology and related sciences. Jainism believes Sun causes day and night. Moon causes full moon night (Poornima) and full dark night day (Amawasya).

Thus "Thithi" concept is calculated based on movement of Moon. 2.5,8.11,14 and 15th days of each fortnight have got major religious value. Moon effects water element in body, so mind is more shaky. It is also evident from sea tides To keep it in control ,religious activities on these sensitive days are being advised to follow as a minimum.

The session started. One devotee in  age group of  plus sixty asked Gurudeo-"What id intellectual death? Is it less painful than ordinary death? Gurudeo started answer. It is being summarized herewith.
"Yes, in intellectual death there is no pain to mind .brain and soul. But the pain to body remains same. It is called intellectual because the person on death bed has gained the correct knowledge that death is a inevitable truth and every born has to meet it sooner or later. Now he is calm and quite. No greed or burden for extra life span.
Looking at flash back of life and commenting it on as guided by Bhagwan .Now he is fully aware that not to take birth is in one's hand but after taking birth not to die is impossible for everybody.

As majority of Jain devotees wish to have "Panditmaran " at due time. This study can be useful if one refer to following chapters of Bhagwatisutra for more detailed knowledge of the subject.
1---17/02- Explain 3 categories of souls Baal. Baalpandit and Pandit.
2---13/07-Five types of death being explained in details.

3-01/08-The next birth of Baal. Baalpandit and Pandit are covered .
 Reference also to be made to "Badi Salekhna Path " in Pratikaman. Here way to take "Santhara" to have Panditmaran is being explained. In Santhara 18 sins,3/4 food intake and 1 self body is totally given up (Water may be allowed) with due procedure. Now let me explain first three categories referred above. Pandit means monk who has taken vows to follow 12 Mahavrata entirely from Diksha to death without slight deviation. Moreover Pandit means a person who fully knows

teachings of Lord Mahaveer and walks on his path in current term.
Baalpandit means Shrawak. He has not taken Diksha but has taken partial vows with some exceptions to follow all 12 Vrata either fully or partially. Baal means a person who has neither given up anything nor decided to follow any Vatra. He is leaving life on own rules or on wrong concepts .He is termed as "Avirati" opposite of "Virati".
Monk can get birth only in right visionary Vemanikdeo up to Annutarviman (They may also get salvation in same birth as per location) while Baalpandit can have birth up to 12th heaven only. All four category are open for Baal to take next birth after current one.
 Now let me explain the purpose  and other related issues beside this. It is preparation or readiness to say Goodbye to this present life.

Just as one pack luggage while leaving a hotel room after finishing trip or one  pack all belongings while shifting rented house. One has to give up literally all possessions, love affection and hate. Now he is ready to attain Panditmaran. Totally calm, cool and with peace.
The purpose of doing such difficult exercise will  be  covered up in next blog. Both parts can be more useful to all of Jain devotees.

JAI JINENDRA--------!!! -----------JAI MAHAVEER---------!!!.

JAINISM-----WHY MOKSHA IS MORE PREPARABLE OPTION-------?.

Friends usually I make it a point not to miss Gurudeo's lectures on full moon and full black night day. Here is the coverage of my recent attendance on last full moon day. A devotee in the age group of 35yrs stood and requested Gurudeo to answer his following question.
"Sir ,recently at instance of my wife I started attending your lectures
I have one question in mind. Why in Jain Religion so emphasis is being given on liberalization of soul by getting salvation or Moksh. ? Monks ,Shrawaks all  making so much sacrifices to attain it. But I do not understand it. For me nothing wrong in lives and deaths cycles.

Life is so beautiful with so much fun  around and so much amazing friends and marvelous places to visit. What is harm in getting new births each time to have more and more fun each time ?With his unique and unmatched smile Gurudeo started answer looking at him. 
"It seems you are one of the few and luckiest person in the world to enjoy life without feeling of a insecurity. I hope your case can be an exceptional one of being no problem at all. But I feel it is a myth.

I believe there are no pain, no sorrow and no down phases in your life so far. For your answer you have to look at and study the people around then you can conclude that what you believe to be correct.
You can have following points in mind while arriving at final answer with due observations. Better if you can note down for your review.
1.We do not remember pain , that we suffered before we saw first ray of sun. Nine months stay in a small womb of a mother with the total dependence on her for live hood is really unbearable. Just imagine.

2.Just try to meet an old man. He can tell you how one can feel with deteriorating power of organs .senses and memory. With burden of unaccomplished tasks and death in sight, one can not understand the agony of old age unless self enters phase and vouch misery oneself.

3.Similarly only the patient on death bed can feel the unbearable pain one suffers while the soul leaves the body and say good bye to it's current world and colleagues. Here you have to believe Beside above three common miseries of majority living souls look at human life.

There are bunch of individual problems. The list for it is endless. The haunting anxiety with each breathing is too difficult for to explain.
Moreover there is no guarantee that you will have same or better comforts in next life. A human can go to any one out of four Gaties.

Look at beggars, handicap, street dogs ,goat at butcher's kitchen.
One may get similar or more worst life in hell because one does not know what is being awarded and in storage for him by built Karmas.  Only on reaching it is to be faced. We do not know what it offers.

Very few human relationships are based on true and unconditional love as of parents and teachers. Rest relationships may be guided by by different motives, needs ,intentions and purposes. They may loose the shine once the target is being achieved It is a common nature of human being. Majority of us can vouch as based on life experience.
Happiness which comes from within is a permanent one as it directly affects soul and mind. While happiness which comes from body is a temporary and may cause deep sorrow when it leaves. If happiness can be found in club. pub, concerts or casino, there is no need to visit temple, Upashray. church .mosque. Chaitya. Gurudwara like places.

fire temple. synagogue and all other holy places on earth. Similarly no one will engage in charitable activities. It shows that inner peace of mind is  much more preferred than body entertainment if one go studies human behavior. This is the visible truth. After salvation soul gets rid of body. mind and organs. Those three are root cause of sufferings of living souls. Once there is free soul with correct -knowledge, faith and power to use both of these former two there is plenty of treasure of permanent and true eternal happiness for ever. Such joy is beyond words cannot be expressed in mere words.

One can refer "Aagaam-Nandisutra to know the  magnitude of happiness of Siddah Bhagwan. It can be a memorable reading for us.
Human life is beautiful in the sense that it  it gives you opportunity to understand root cause of  series of lives and death and give opportunity to follow right path and move on path of salvation. Do not get attached to material pleasure and eighteen sins. Use the span to build good deeds and cut negative deeds. It can lead to Moksha.

I hope with this discussion you can review your own choice to have either endless cycles of life or to have only pure soul in body less pure form with salvation. The lecture was nothing but only and only truth and a harsh eye-opener. With little nervousness I left the venue with thoughts how current life can be made more meaningful.

JAI JINENDRA----------!!!-------- -JAI MAHAVEER-----------!!!.