In Jain Dharma, the most important and universal sutra is the Namokar (Navkar) Mantra.

Original (Prakrit):

• णमो अरिहंताणं
• णमो सिद्धाणं
• णमो आयरियाणं
• णमो उवज्झायाणं
• णमो लोए सव्वसाहूणं
• एसो पंच णमोक्कारो, सव्वपावप्पणासणो।
• मंगलाणं च सव्वेसिं, पडमं हवई मंगलं॥

Simple meaning (arth):

• I bow to the Arihants (perfect beings who have destroyed inner passions).
• I bow to the Siddhas (liberated souls).
• I bow to the Acharyas (spiritual heads).
• I bow to the Upadhyayas (spiritual teachers).
• I bow to all Sadhus and Sadhvis (monks and nuns) in the world.
• This fivefold salutation destroys all sins.
• Among all auspicious things, this is the foremost auspicious one.

Notes from tradition:

• Accepted by both Shwetambar and Digambar traditions. Only minor phonetic differences appear in pronunciation; the meaning and reverence are the same.
• The first five lines are the core mantra saluting the Panch Parmesthi. The last two lines state its greatness and auspiciousness.
• It is a bow to virtues, not a request for worldly favors, and is recited at the beginning of almost all Jain practices.

How to recite (simple guidance):

• Sit calmly, keep a pure intention, and recite slowly with awareness of each group you salute.
• Daily repetition with right faith helps in samvar (stoppage) and nirjara (shedding) of karmas, cultivating humility and inner peace.

Learn more and practice:

• What is the Navkar Mantra?
• Benefits of chanting Navkar Mantra