Anumodana template (simple, customizable)

Purpose: To joyfully acknowledge and praise the merit of someone’s virtuous actions, and to inspire others to similar goodness. It is commonly used after a good deed, a donation, or when sadhus/sadhvis have performed meritorious work.

Structure you can follow (two parts)

1) Abhivadan (salutations and praise)

• Start with respectful salutations to the Tirthankaras, Siddhas, and virtuous beings.
• Include a short line about the intention: “We rejoice in the merit of the doer and in the virtue of the act.”

Example lines you can adapt:

• Namah siddhās, namah kāyāpannā. (salutations to liberated beings)
• We bow with reverence to the noble act performed by [name/group], and we praise the intention and conduct behind it.
• May this merit purify all beings and lead us toward right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

2) Anumodana (rejoicing and blessing)

• State your rejoicing in the merit and your wish that it brings ultimate peace and upliftment for all.
• Add a blessing or wish for the long life, good conduct, and spiritual progress of the doer and of all beings.

Example lines you can adapt:

• May the merit of this act grow, and may its fruits bring happiness, health, and spiritual progress to all beings.
• May the doer and all participants be free from misery, and may they tread the path of ahimsa, truth, and self-control.
• May this merit contribute to the harmony of all living beings and to the ultimate removal of suffering.

Closing (optional)

• A brief note of thanks and a reminder to continue virtuous actions.
• If monks or nuns are present, you can include a short reflective line about restraint, compassion, and the pursuit of liberation.

Notes and variations

• Digambar vs. Shwetambar: Both traditions practice anumodana, but your exact wording can vary in how you phrase reverence and the emphasis on monastic ideals. In some communities, the focus during anumodana is more on moral virtues (ahiṁsā, satya, asteya, brahmacharya) and on the five Mahavratas or equivalent vows in context; in others, the emphasis may be broader on kindness and spiritual progress. You can tailor lines to suit your sangh’s customary form.
• When to use: After charitable acts, during samayik or panchamahayajanm, or at the end of a religious gathering.
• Keep it brief and sincere. The power of anumodana lies in heartfelt intention rather than in long verses.

If you want, tell me:

• the occasion (donation, event, or general gathering),
• the group or person to praise,
• and whether you follow Digambar or Shwetambar practice.

I can tailor the template with more specific wording in that style.