reading for a funeral service
I’ll share a few short Jain readings that are peaceful, respectful, and suitable for a funeral/memorial service. You can choose one or combine them.
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1. Navkār Mantra (universal, for all occasions)
Prakrit:
Namō Arihantāṇaṁ Namō Siddhāṇaṁ Namō Āyariyāṇaṁ Namō Uvajjhāyāṇaṁ Namō Lōē Savva Sāhūṇaṁ
Simple English meaning:
- I bow to the Arihants (perfected beings who have realized the truth).
- I bow to the Siddhas (liberated souls, completely free).
- I bow to the Āchāryas (spiritual leaders).
- I bow to the Upādhyāyas (spiritual teachers).
- I bow to all Sādhus and Sādhvīs (monks and nuns) in the world.
This mantra is for reverence and peace for all souls, including the departed one.
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2. Forgiveness & Friendship Verse
(very gentle and comforting around death)Prakrit:
Khamemi savva jīve Savve jīvā khamantu me Mitti me savva bhūesu Vēram majjhaṁ na kēṇai
Meaning:
- I forgive all living beings.
- May all living beings forgive me.
- My friendship is with all living beings.
- I have enmity towards none.
This is beautiful to read in a service, reminding everyone of peace, letting go, and non‑hatred.
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3. Short reflection you may read in English
You can read this as a small Jain reflection:
“According to Jain Dharma, every soul is eternal, pure, and independent. The body ends, but the soul continues its journey according to its own karma. We pray that the soul that has left this body moves towards peace, purity, and liberation. May we who remain, live with non‑violence, truth, forgiveness, and compassion, in their loving memory.”
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4. Very short concluding Jain prayer line
You may close with:
“Sarva jīvō sukhī hōntu, sarva jīvō nirvaira hōntu.”
Meaning: “May all souls be happy, may all souls be free from enmity.”
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If you tell me:
- which language you prefer (English / Hindi / Gujarati), and
- whether the gathering is mainly Jain or mixed,
I can format one complete, ready‑to‑read piece for you.