Universal Rite Of Friendship And Forgiveness

Paryushan Parv , the annual Jain observance, is the time to uplift oneself through fasting, meditation , soul-searching, awakening, self-study, courage, compassion and forgiveness for all beings. For both Shwetambars, who observe the ritual over eight days, and Digambars, for whom the festival lasts 10 days, this is a time for introspection, reflection popularly known as Chaturmas or Varsha Yog.

Chaturmas literally means 'four months', derived from the Sanskrit chatur, four and masa, month. Chaturmas means four months of the monsoon, a practice observed by both Digamber and Shwetamber Jain monks and nuns, when travelling barefoot is difficult for them; so they make themselves available to the community for instruction and guidance.

Paryushan is the time when, to improve karmas, adherents perform 12 kinds of austerities, including fasting. They also do svadhyaya, self-study. The purpose of Paryushan is to reflect on your shortcomings, seek forgiveness for wrongdoings, remove internal corruption and vow to live an ethical way of life. Daily recital of Bhaktamar Stotra, Navakar Mantra, meditation and prayer help one to look within and reflect on the teachings of the tirthankaras for guidance. One should perform and practise Jivdaya, Samayik Sutra and Pratikraman, which are paths to emancipation and liberation.

On the fourth day of Paryushan, it is customary for Shwetambars Murtipujak to read from the 'Kalpa Sutra', a scripture that recounts the life of Mahavir, the 24th tirthankara.

Jainism is a Sramana tradition. Mahavir led a socio-spiritual, nonviolent reform movement. He regarded all species of flora and fauna as integral to a composite moral community. He emphasised the concept of Jivdaya, animal care and aparigraha, non-possessiveness to protect biodiversity from human greed and butchery. The fivefold Navakar Mantra that is recited offers obeisance not to God or Creator, but to arihants, perfected beings; siddhas, liberated souls; acharyas, masters; upadhyayas, teachers, and sadhus, renunciates. With mantra-chanting, seekers find liberation through their own efforts, and not by waiting for divine intervention.

The first Tirthankar Rishabhdev taught us six main professions for livelihood: Asi, swordsmanship for self-defence, wrestling; Masi: Art, culture, writing skills, literature and education; Krishi: Agriculture, agrarian lifestyle; Vidya: schooling, knowledge and training; Vanijya: trade and commerce, enterprise; Shilp-kala: architecture, handicrafts and skill development. Tirthankar Rishabhdev strongly emphasised on women's education and their liberation.

Without paropkar, selfless service, bhakti and puja remain incomplete. Bahubali promoted rural sports activities such as Hath Yog, Mallakhamb, Mallayuddh, wrestling to keep oneself holistically healthy, fit, energetic and dynamic.

During Paryushan Parv vegetarian meals are made simpler than usual. For Shwetambars, the final day of Paryushan is Samvastsari Pratikraman or annual confession, when it is time for seeking forgiveness as well as being forgiving, enabling self-liberation. The ritual of seeking forgiveness from the teacher is widened in scope to include family, friends and all living beings.

Authored by: Dhanpal Solanki Jain