One must have strong belief and right motive while chanting mantras.
- Sadhvi Kanak Shri
The Sixth day of Paryushan Mahaparva organized by Shree Jain Swetamber Terapanthi Sabha, Kolkata at “Pragya Samavsaran”, Mahasabha was celebrated as ‘JAAP DIWAS’ in pious presence of Sadhvi Kanak Shri ji, a learned disciple of Acharya Shri Mahapragya ji.. Addressing thousands of lay followers (Shrawaks and Shrawikas) on the subject ‘Japat Jaap, Khapat Paap’ Sadhvi Kanak Shri ji said - “ Continuous chanting of one or more mantras help one create a layer of safety around one’s soul. The vibrations and echo generated as a result formulates effective favourable atmosphere leading to improve one’s Abhamandal. In Terapanth there have been many instances of determined persons getting magical response of jaap due to their unending faith and devotion towards the name of their Guru, which acted as a mantra. One must have strong belief and right motive while chanting mantras, the sins will gradually fade away.’ Sadhvi Shri also enlightened the audience with practical chanting of some mantras.
With reference to Lord Mahavira’s Divine life, Sadhvi Kanak shri ji enlightened the gathering-‘ Mahavira’s childhood name was Vardhmaan. He was a borne with knowledge and consciousness beyond mind. His inner sight was awakened. His childhood was a glimpse of Ahimsa, fearlessness and bravery. He was viewing his prior Bhav in which he has soul has travel from one birth to another.. He was capable of feeling the vibrations in small creatures and their joys and sorrows. He had contact at the level of consciousness of creatures and as a result he became kind to others. Their sorrows became his sorrow. This inseparable feeling became the base for his message of Non-violance (Ahimsa) and amity (Maitri)’.
Explaining the heart touching instances of the childhood of Mahavira, Sadhvi Sri ji further said-‘ Kumar Vardhmaan was polite and obedient towards his parents. His childhood can be a source of morale to the present children.
Sadhvi Madhulata ji, speaking on the importance of ‘JAAP DIWAS’ said -‘Jaap (continuous chanting of one or more mantras) is a unique methodology of Sadhana. It helps prepare effective background for meditation. Discussing the method, objectives and achievements of chanting of mantras she further said - ‘ In jaap sadhana it is essential to keep in mind the cleanliness of place, clarity of pronunciation and purity of mind and emotions. There are specific pronunciations for specific objectives and continuous chanting purifies the soul, by making it lighter from evil karmas. Some of the mantras provide immediate relief from tension and diseases, where as there are others which have to be practiced according to prescribed discipline to be more effective.’
The days programme began with a chorus song on the importance of Namokar Mantra by members of North Howrah Mahila Mandal. During the morning discourse session many girls, boys,ladies and gents with long fasting (Tap) took vows from Sadhvishri to continue their fast.
The regular evening Pratikraman was attended by over 500 lay followers. It was guided by Sri Naresh Nahata and Upashika Smt. Vijay Laxmi Manot. The South Kolkata Terapanthi Sabha members with great enthusiasm, headed by Sri Surendra Kumar Dugar (President) participated in the uninterrupted Namokar Mantra chanting in the night.
In the evening a unique Vividh Bharti (Multifold presentation) competition-‘on spiritual and religious events was organized by South Kolkata Sabha with more than 50 participants, all from the students and teachers of Gyasnshalas. The programme was compered by Sri Vinod Baid, Secretary of South Kolkata Sabha. South Kolkata Gyanshala stood first, followed by North Howrah and South Howrah gyanshalas. The winners and asll the participants were given prizes. The Judges of the programme were also honoured.