CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION of the KEVALAJÑĀNAVINAYATĀPASYA-SAṄGHA
KEVALAJÑĀNAVINAYATĀPASYA-SAṄGHA THE UNIVERSAL JAIN SAṄGHA (RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY) [70 of 78]
APPENDIX VI [26 of 28]
18. JAINA SYMBOLISM [4 of 6]
Symbol of an Eight-petaled Lotus
In our temple at the time of performing ceremonies, we make marks on tables of wood, marble or metal, one is of an eight-petalled lotus.
We locate certain great principles or ideals in all these petals. I gave you the generic names of five great personages. The first (1) is put in the middle, Arhat. The second the liberated, at the top (2); the right of the centre (3) the master; the fourth, the religious student (4) at the bottom; the fifth, the holy man (5) at the left of the centre. In the corner petals we locate right knowledge (K), right belief (B), right conduct (C) and right energy (E).
When we have the rosary in our hand we think of the Arhats and contemplate on their peculiar qualities; then we think and contemplate on the principles and qualities of the second, and so on. When we think of these qualities, we cannot think of other things and the mind receives help.
Virchand R. Gandhi, Religion and Philosophy of the Jainas, Lalit C. Shah, Ahmedabad 1993, p. 95.
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