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32. The Mantra is Small, its Glory is Great
Anil Keshavji Dedhia
14/Sheela Niketan, 2nd Floor, Off Society Road, Indian Overseas Bank Lane,
Jogeshvari (East), Bombay-400 060
I try here to narrate the glory of the Navakara Mahamantra and also to describe my personal experiences thereof. High indeed is the status of the Navakara Mantra in the Jaina Dharma. When a man takes recourse to the lap of the mother, that is the Navakara, he is assured of protection. All this is beyond doubt, though of course faith must prevail.
Two years back my elder brother - Tarunbhai-took to the initiation as a monk and was named Tirtharatnasagarji Maharaj Saheb. Then it was that I had firmly resolved to chant the Navakara on a mala in utmost regularity. My enthusiasm of the heart was high then.
Once I went to Bombay to purchase goods and all of a sudden I was surrounded by a group of goondas. My servant was with me. I immediately recognised them and also knew that release was very difficult. I saw businessmen on all sides, but nobody would dare to come to my help. Who will have the courage to face goondas? But the memory of the Mahamantra was resounding in my very breath. It entered the lotus of my heart and saved me. The goondas tried hard to bind us by ropes. My servant was ahead. The goods in his possession was thrown down. I remained silent. They came forward and ordered : "Accompany us!" We were taken to a building that was full of darkness. A sharp pointed knife was brought out
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