Answer

In Jain Dharma, we chant “Namo Arihantanam” not because Arihants must hear our prayer and grant us favors, but because we are offering reverence to the pure, perfected qualities of Arihants.

Arihants are free from attachment, hatred, anger, ego, and passions. By bowing to them, we awaken respect for those same pure qualities within ourselves.

Explanation

Jain prayer is different from asking a creator-God for help. In Jainism:

• Arihants do not interfere in our karma.
• They do not give rewards or punishments.
• They are not pleased or displeased by our chanting.
• Our chanting changes us, not them.

So when we say:

“Namo Arihantanam” meaning: “I bow to the Arihants”,

we are expressing humility, devotion, and respect toward the highest living spiritual beings who have conquered inner enemies like anger, pride, deceit, and greed.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of chanting is:

• To purify our thoughts
• To reduce ego
• To remember the path of liberation
• To develop faith in right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct
• To inspire ourselves to become like the Arihants

Just as looking at a great teacher inspires a student, remembering Arihants inspires the soul to rise higher.

The benefit comes because our own inner state becomes purer. A pure thought creates good spiritual vibrations and helps reduce harmful passions.

Takeaway

We chant “Namo Arihantanam” not to make Arihants hear us, but to remind ourselves:

“May I bow to purity, follow the path of the Arihants, and gradually purify my own soul.”