Answer

You are raising a very valid point.

In Jain Dharma, merely reciting sutras very fast is not the true goal. Sutra recitation is meant to be done with:

• shraddha — faith and reverence
• shuddha uchcharan — correct pronunciation
• arth-bodh — understanding of meaning
• bhav — inner devotional feeling

If someone recites so fast that they do not understand even a little of what is being said, then the spiritual benefit becomes limited.

Explanation

Many people recite sutras quickly because of habit, time pressure, group rhythm, or because they learned it that way. But Jain tradition gives great importance not only to the words, but also to the bhav behind them.

For example, when we say the Namokar Mantra, the purpose is not just to finish the mantra quickly. The purpose is to bow with humility to:

• Arihants
• Siddhas
• Acharyas
• Upadhyays
• Sadhus

If we say it slowly and understand whom we are bowing to, the mind becomes more peaceful and humble.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, inner intention matters deeply. Fast recitation without awareness can become mechanical. Slow, attentive recitation helps the soul develop:

• humility
• concentration
• devotion
• right understanding
• spiritual awareness

At the same time, we should not criticize others harshly. Some people may have memorized sutras from childhood and recite quickly out of habit. Instead, we can gently encourage learning the meaning and chanting with awareness.

Takeaway

Sutras are not meant to be “rushed through.” They are meant to purify the mind and awaken the soul. Even one sutra recited slowly with understanding and bhav can be more spiritually meaningful than many sutras recited mechanically.