Jainism Faith Resources

Jainism has a rich tradition of prayers and recitations that emphasize peace, nonviolence (ahimsa), compassion, forgiveness, and the well-being of all living beings. Because Jainism teaches reverence for all life, prayers often have a universal character.

Prayer for Universal Peace A representative Jain aspiration is:

May all living beings be free from fear.
May all be free from suffering.
May all experience peace.
May all live in mutual friendship and compassion.

While translations vary, this reflects the spirit of many Jain prayers.

Jainism Faith Resources

The Universal Prayer (Kṣamāpanā / Prayer of Forgiveness)

One of the best-known Jain prayers expresses forgiveness and peace:

Khamemi Savva Jīve

I forgive all living beings.
May all living beings forgive me.
I have friendship toward all.
I have enmity toward none.

This prayer is especially associated with the Jain observance of forgiveness at the end of the annual festival of Paryushana and beautifully expresses reconciliation and peace.

Jainism Faith Resources

The Universal Friendship Prayer

Another cherished Jain prayer says:

May all beings be my friends.
May I have friendship with all living beings.
May I harbor ill will toward none.
May all live in peace.

This reflects the Jain ideal of universal friendship (maitrī).

Jainism Faith Resources

The Navkar (Namokar) Mantra

The Navkar Mantra is the most important prayer in Jainism. Rather than asking for blessings, it offers reverence to enlightened beings and those who embody spiritual virtues.

It begins:

Namo Arihantāṇam

I bow to the Arihants (enlightened beings).

The full mantra honors five categories of spiritually advanced beings and is recited daily by Jains as a source of inner peace and spiritual inspiration.