CHAPTER 1 - PROLOGUE



Now, the sacred book titled 'Moksha Marg Prakashak' (the illuminator of the path of liberation) is being written.

(BENEDICTION)
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):