Answer

Anumodna means sincerely appreciating, approving, and rejoicing in someone else’s good, religious, or virtuous act.

In Jain Dharma, when we see or hear about another person doing punya, seva, tapasya, daan, bhakti, swadhyay, or any dharmic activity, and we feel genuine happiness for it, that feeling is called Anumodna.

Explanation

Anumodna is not jealousy, comparison, or pride. It is a pure inner feeling such as:

• “This is a very good dharmic act.”
• “May this person continue on the path of Dharma.”
• “I am happy that such punya and devotion are being done.”

For example:

• If someone performs tapasya and we sincerely appreciate it, that is Anumodna.
• If someone gives daan for a noble Jain purpose and we feel joy, that is Anumodna.
• If someone does pratikraman, samayik, swadhyay, or seva, and we respectfully praise their effort, that is Anumodna.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, the inner intention matters greatly. Even if we cannot personally perform a particular good act, we can still cultivate punya by sincerely rejoicing in the good deeds of others.

Anumodna helps reduce:

• Jealousy
• Ego
• Criticism
• Negative thoughts

And it increases:

• Humility
• Devotion
• Respect for Dharma
• Positive karmic feelings

Takeaway

Anumodna is the joyful appreciation of another person’s good deed. It teaches us to celebrate Dharma wherever we see it, even when someone else is the one performing it.