विद्या एवं बुद्धि — Bhaktamar

The context of learning

Knowledge holds the highest place in the Jain tradition — the analysis of the five kinds of knowledge occupies a large part of the Agamas, and the real cause of learning is held to be the subsidence of knowledge-obscuring karma.

Seen that way, recitation for learning is not a direct device for memory or intelligence but an exercise in concentration. Only a settled mind takes in what it studies, and that is the thought behind these verses.

How these were selected

Gathered here are the verses that speak of knowledge, light, the dispelling of ignorance, or clarity of understanding. The Bhaktamar returns often to the imagery of light and knowledge, and that imagery is the basis of this selection.

For students the tradition prescribes recitation before study — with the intention that the mind should settle first, and reading begin after.

5 verses

• Verse 31छत्र-त्रयं तव विभाति शशांककान्त-
• Verse 32उन्निद्रहेम-नवपंकजपुंजकान्ती
• Verse 33इत्थं यथा तव विभूतिरभूज्जिनेन्द्र!
• Verse 34श्च्योतन् मदाविलविलोलकपोलमूल-
• Verse 35भिन्नेभ-कुम्भ-गलदुज्ज्वल-शोणिताक्त-

How the reading is done

The prescribed practice is to recite while seated in a clean place before beginning study, with the morning held especially suitable.

Sitting in silence for a few moments afterwards is held appropriate, so that the mind is settled when it turns to study.