Guru vandan is the respectful salutation to one’s spiritual teacher (guru) in Jain practice. Here is a simple, respectful way to perform it at home or in a temple.

What you do

• Purify and prepare: find a quiet, clean space. If you have a small altar with a guru or respected Jain teacher image, place it there along with a small lamp and flowers.
• Body posture: sit comfortably. If allowed, you may use Panchang Pranam (five-point prostration: two hands, two knees, and the forehead touch the ground) or a modest bow with folded hands.
• Greet the guru: join your palms (namaskar) and bow slightly toward the guru or image. If you are alone, you can bow from a respectful distance.
• Recite a guru vandan prayer: you may chant a simple traditional verse such as:

Acharyashree charan kamalebhyo namah Upadhyāyashree charan kamalebhyo namah Sadhu shre charan kamalebhyo namah (If your tradition uses a different guru-vandana text, follow that version.)

• Sankalpa and reflection: after the recitation, renew your intention to follow the Jain path with humility, and seek guidance to live according to ahimsa, satya, and self-discipline.
• Conclude gently: offer a brief namaskar or bow to finish. If you have prasad or water, you may offer it with reverence.

Notes

• There are small differences in the exact words and the number of prostrations between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions. Use the version taught by your guru or community, and you can also practice the common, respectful form shown above.
• If the guru is absent, you can perform guru vandan mentally by recalling the guru’s teachings and performing the same ritual in your mind.

If you’d like, I can share a specific guru-vandan text for your exact tradition (Digambar or Shwetambar) and language.

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