why 7 count of navkar mantra
In Jainism, the Navkar Mantra (also called Namokar Mantra) is the most revered and fundamental prayer. Reciting the Navkar Mantra seven times is a common practice among Jains, and this tradition has both spiritual and symbolic significance:
- Seven Tattvas (Fundamental Truths): Jain philosophy describes seven tattvas or fundamental realities (jiva, ajiva, asrava, bandha, samvara, nirjara, moksha). Reciting the mantra seven times is said to honor and meditate upon these core principles.
- Seven Types of Suffering: It is believed that by reciting the Navkar Mantra seven times, one can overcome the seven types of suffering (such as birth, old age, disease, etc.).
- Seven Heavens (Urdhva Lok): Jain cosmology describes seven upper worlds or heavens. Reciting the mantra seven times is associated with progression through these levels of spiritual elevation.
- Tradition and Ritual: Many Jain rituals and daily practices, such as pratikraman, include reciting the Navkar Mantra seven times as a traditional and auspicious number, signifying completeness and spiritual wholeness.
- Symbolic Purification: Repeating the mantra seven times is believed to help purify the soul and remove karmic impurities at various levels.
Summary: The practice of reciting the Navkar Mantra seven times is deeply symbolic in Jainism, representing respect for the seven tattvas, overcoming seven sufferings, aspiring towards the seven heavens, and aligning with ancient tradition for spiritual purification and progress.