On the day millions of Jains all over the world recited their Navkar Mahamantra, US President Donald Trump announced a tariff reset. Was this a coincidence or a result? The power of prayer is often forgotten or rubbished by secular modernity, but throughout history, prayer has given strength, courage and inner peace to human beings all over the world, whatever their faith or belief. It helps them face dark times and develop stamina and resilience in the face of all kinds of hardships.
A global business NGO, the Jain International Trade Organisation led the initiative. JITO’s aims are not just business networking and incubation, but also to serve and transform society – Jain merchants throughout their millennia of business enterprise have never neglected their public duty, nor seen animals, society and environment as separate from commerce. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the prayer marathon with a deeply spiritual and philosophical speech on the power of the Maha-mantra, and how it has been his ally from early childhood. Even though he was not born a Jain, he was profoundly influenced by Jain saints and their simplicity and piety, and saw in them role models for a compassionate society.
The Navkar Mantra has nine lines and is an obeisance to all the spiritual and enlightened souls of the Universe – the Arihantas, the Siddhas, the Acharyas, the Sadhus, and all living beings – it has no name of any particular God or spiritual leader. In this sense it is a universal inter-faith prayer and can be recited by anyone anywhere at any time to help spread humility and peace. Its first words are NAMO which means - I bow. As a writer and critic of modern finance, where humility is discouraged and instead ego and greed are celebrated, the Navkar resonates deeply with my own research. Leaders in finance have a lot to learn about humility.
As a global diaspora, Jains are spread out all over the world, and the entire event was coordinated through social media, with public gatherings in cities like London, Nairobi, New York and Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore and even Tokyo. The recitations were also repeated at home, with the aim of continuing the 24-hour time cycle, and sending deep spiritual energies and vibrations for global peace. I personally did a mala, which has 108 beads, to join the world in their prayers.
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In my upcoming ‘Organic Finance’ book, I talk about the importance of faith in shaping a sustainable finance, and educating society about the nature and limits of money and material possessions. The research is truly diverse and inclusive of a wide range of faiths and cultures. It draws upon over thirty years of research, teaching and public engagement on the themes of fairness and morality in accounting and finance, professions where Jains are among the most sought-after all over the world, because of their integrity and wisdom. The fact that JITO led this initiative is evidence of how this spirit of selfless service is alive and vibrant all over the world even today.
As I dig into Jain history, I discover a range of stories and poetry which explore the notions of greed, materialism, gambling, exploitation, dishonesty and charity. In so many of these kathas, we have reminders about the need to pay our debts, to live prudently and to value compassion, faith and wisdom above everything else. Money is fleeting – it will come and go, but the soul is immortal, and will live forever.
Prayer feeds the soul, and echoes this spirit into our neighbourhoods and atmosphere – it is possible that Trump was moved by invisible forces to reverse the tariffs. April 9 will forever become an annual day of global prayer for the Jains, and serve to remind all of us of the simplicity, beauty and power of prayer. Prayer can help build and sustain communities, and prevent greed and individualism. What is there not to like?
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Professor Atul K. Shah [@atulkshah; YouTube/Atul K. Shah] teaches and writes about Indian wisdom on business, culture and community at various UK universities and is a renowned international author, speaker and broadcaster.