The Daily Prayer
One of the most important Jain prayers is the Namaskara Sutra which praises the five great beings
of Jainism: I bow down to those who have reached omniscience in the flesh and teach the road to
everlasting life in the liberated state. I bow down to those who have attained perfect
knowledge and liberated their souls of all karma. I bow down to those who have experienced
self-realisation of their souls through self-control and self-sacrifice. I bow down to those
who understand the true nature of soul and teach the importance of the spiritual over the
material. I bow down to those who strictly follow the five great vows of conduct and inspire us
to live a virtuous life. To these five types of great souls I offer my praise. Such praise
will help diminish my sins. Giving this praise is most auspicious. So auspicious as to
bring happiness and bliss.
|