From a Jain point of view, both things matter, but in different ways:

1. Yes, the “form” itself can help, even for a secular person.

- Rhythm, repetition, respectful posture, and a set structure can: - Calm the mind - Create focus - Give a sense of order and meaning - So psychologically, a person may feel more peaceful or centered just by following the form, even without strong belief.

1. But deep spiritual effect in Jainism depends on the inner state, not only the outer form.

In Jain Dharma, true spiritual progress is driven by: - Samyak Darshan (right faith / right vision) - Samyak Jnān (right understanding) - Samyak Chāritra (right conduct)

This means: - If someone recites a Jain mantra (like the Navkār Mantra) only as a “nice ritual,” it can bring calmness, but the karmic and spiritual result is limited. - If the same mantra is recited with: - Reverence toward Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, etc. - Understanding of what those words mean - Intention to purify one’s own soul then the spiritual purification (kashāya reduction, punya, and ultimately moksha-marg) is much deeper.

1. Form without understanding vs. form with understanding

- Form alone (structure, rhythm, habit): - Can build discipline. - Can quiet scattered thoughts. - Is like doing a physical exercise correctly, but without knowing why it’s good for health.

- Form + right inner attitude (bhāva): - In Jainism, the bhāva is primary; dravya (outer act) is secondary. - The same act of pratikraman or mantra-jap: - Done carelessly or mechanically → small or mixed effect. - Done with real repentance, humility, non-violence, and awareness → strong spiritual effect.

1. Approaching Jain forms from a secular angle

- A secular person can: - Use Jain meditation forms (like ānuprekshā, or simply focusing on breathing with non-violent thoughts) for mental clarity and peace. - Use Jain prayers as a “practice of gratitude and humility,” even if they don’t fully accept all metaphysics. - Jain view would say: - This still creates some punya and reduces passions if the attitude is peaceful, humble, and non-violent. - But full spiritual unfolding toward moksha requires moving, over time, toward right faith in the nature of the soul and the Tirthankaras’ teachings.

1. Simple way to put it

- Form alone = good for the mind, some merit, some softening of ego. - Form + Jain spiritual understanding + right intention = real progress on the path of liberation.

So: the structure and rhythm can definitely “work” on a psychological level, and even lightly on a spiritual level. But in Jain Dharma, the deepest spiritual work happens when that same form is rooted in right understanding, right faith, and sincere inner transformation.