How to do morning prayer daily
In Jainism, morning prayer is an important daily practice that helps devotees begin the day with spiritual focus, gratitude, and mindfulness. Here are steps to perform a typical Jain morning prayer:
- Personal Cleanliness:
Begin with personal hygiene—bathe, wear clean clothes, and, if possible, wear simple white or traditional attire.
- Preparation of Sacred Space:
Clean the area where you will pray. If you have a home shrine (Jin mandir), light a lamp (deepak), and arrange offerings like flowers, rice grains, sandalwood paste, and fruits.
- Namokar Mantra:
Sit quietly, preferably facing east, and recite the Namokar Mantra (Navkar Mantra) with devotion:
``` Namo Arihantanam Namo Siddhanam Namo Ayariyanam Namo Uvajjhayanam Namo Loe Savva Sahunam Eso Panch Namokaro, Savva Pava Panasano Mangalanam Cha Savvesim, Padhamam Havai Mangalam ```
This is the most important and universal Jain prayer, offering obeisance to the five supreme beings.
- Prayers and Bhajans:
After the Namokar Mantra, you may recite additional prayers such as:
- Khamemi Savva Jivae: Asking forgiveness from all living beings. - Pratikraman Sutras: If you are practicing more elaborately. - Jin Vandana, Stavans, or other devotional hymns.
- Contemplation and Reflection:
Meditate for a few minutes on non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-attachment (aparigraha), and other Jain virtues. Reflect on your intentions for the day.
- Daily Vows (Anuvratas):
Reaffirm your commitment to the five main vows (non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession), as appropriate for householders.
- Offering and Respect:
Bow to the idols or images of the Tirthankaras, showing reverence and gratitude.
- End with Peace:
Conclude with the prayer for universal peace and the well-being of all living beings:
``` Michchhami Dukkadam (May all the evil that has been done be forgiven) ```
Tips:
- The duration and complexity of the prayer can be adjusted according to personal capacity and time.
- Performing prayer with sincerity and understanding is more important than ritualistic repetition.
- Many Jains also visit a nearby Derasar (temple) for morning darshan if possible.
Reference Prayers:
- Navkar Mantra
- Logassa Sutra
- Jinvani Vandana
- Bhaktamar Stotra (optional, for extended prayer)
Regular morning prayer fosters discipline, spiritual growth, and a connection to the core values of Jainism.