Arhat Vandana

A man lives on the basis of faith. Various centres of faith exist including belief in a spiritual God, trust in a Guru, faith in penance or indeed in prayer.

Prayer is important from a spiritualistic as well as a practical point of view. In all religious places whether they be temples or churches, prayer is performed on a daily basis.

In Jain philosophy along with knowledge and action, devotion is considered to be extremely important. Prayer allows the expression of this devotion to the Jina. Note that per Jain Dharma, prayers are not used to ask for anything from God.

To pay homage with devotion is known as vandanā. When expressed towards the Arhat, who has conquered attachment and aversion, it is known as Arhat Vandanā.

This prayer was composed by Acharya Tulsi in 1968, during his chāturmās in Chennai. It is now sung every day by all monks and nuns of the Terapanth Sect.

Acharya Tulsi