The science of non-attachment (passionlessness) is all blissful and
cause of bliss; I bow to that science by virtue of which the Arhantas
and Siddhas (Omniscient Gods) have attained the supreme state. Having
made obeisance; I (Todarmal) endeavour to write this sacred book which
maybe instrumental in the manifestation of all spiritual traits and help
achieve the state of self rule.
Now begins the sacred book titled Moksha Marg Prakashak
(illuminator of the path of liberation). The hymn of adoration follows:
Namo Arhantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Aairiyanam,
Namo Uvajjhhayanam, Namo Loye Savva Sahoonam.
This is Namaskar-mantra (benedictory incantation) in Prakrit language and
is extremely blissful. Its sanskrit version is as follows:
Namo Arhadbhyah, Namah Siddhebhyah, Namah Acharyebhyah,
Namah Upadhyayebhyah, Namo Loke Sarva Sadhubhyah
Its meaning is thus:- Obeisance to Arhanta Gods (adorable embodied
omniscients), obeisance to Siddha Gods (Liberated disembodied omniscients),
obeisance to Aacharyas (Chief preceptors of congregation of ascetics-monks),
obeisance to Upadhyayas (teacher monks; preceptors), obeisance to all Sadhus
(monks) (completely possessionless naked monks) in the universe. Thus in
this mantra the obeisance (Namaskar) is offered, hence it is called Namaskar
Mantra. Now we ponder over their distinguishing characteristics (differentias):
