Across the globe Jains are embarking upon a spiritual journey of reflection and repentance as they begin celebrating one of our most important festivals. The festival is celebrated separately as Paryushan and Das Lakshan by the two traditions of Jainism. Paryushan, celebrated by Swetambar Jains, began this weekend and lasts for eight days. Digambar Jains celebrate the festival as Das Lakshan, beginning at the end of Paryushan and lasting for ten days.
During these days, Jains focus on the ideas of forgiveness and self-purification. It is a time to assess our actions and repent for any misdeeds we may have committed. In the spirit of discipline and spirituality, it is common for Jains to take vows of religious study and fasting. In this regard, Paryushan and Das Lakshan are similar to periods of rigorous religious practice in other faiths, such as the Muslim observance of Ramadan or the Christian tradition of Lent.
The central theme of the festival is atmashuddhi or "purification of the soul." Vows are taken to decrease dependence on excesses in our daily lives. Fasting redirects the mind away from material activities, cleansing our system and helping us achieve purity in both mind and soul. It ameliorates past karma while teaching discipline, self-control, and patience. Many Jains fast for all eight or ten days of the festival, and sometimes longer, drinking only purified water from sunrise to sunset and abstaining from the consumption of both food and water after sunset.
While fasting may not be possible for all individuals, the most important aspect of Paryushan and Das Lakshan is daily meditation and reflection. It is an opportunity to scrutinize oneself and look to the teachings of the Thirtankars for guidance. Each day is focused on removing our impurities - anger, pride, deceit and greed - and building the virtues of humility, honesty, kindness, self-restraint, non-violence, non-possessiveness, charity, austerity, sacrifice, and forgiveness.
The festival concludes with Samvatsari or the Day of Forgiveness, a time of confession and exoneration for sins of the previous year. On this day, Jains greet family, friends, and each other with "Micchami Dukkadam," an ancient Prakit phrase literally meaning "may all the evil that has been done be fruitless." We seek forgiveness from loved ones, as well as enemies, for any intentional or unintentional harm that we may have caused them over the past year.
There are many facets of Paryushan and Das Lakshan that an individual can observe - fasting, meditation, religious study, etc. In my experience, there are often extenuating circumstances, such as school and work, that prevent me from observing the festival in the capacity to which I may aspire. Jainism, however, provides the individual flexibility to practice that which he or she is able to do without detriment to their personal well-being. Ultimately, these eight or ten days are a period for us to focus within, to avoid violence, to control our desires, and to apologize for our transgressions.
As I begin my own spiritual journey and reflect on the past year, I would like to thank you for always reading what I have to share about my own religious background and I apologize if my words, through way of the Huffington Post, have knowingly or unknowingly offended anyone or if I have misrepresented any views. I conclude with a Jain prayer for forgiveness and ask for your pardon.
Khamemi savve jiveSavve jiva khamantu me
Mitti me savve bhuesu
Veram majaham na kenai
I ask for forgiveness from all living beings;
May all living beings grant me forgiveness.
My friendship is with all living beings;
I have hostility towards none.
Nikhil Bumb: Birthday Lessons From Lord Mahavir
John Morton: Spirit Of Peace In All: Part I
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Our Spiritual Connection to Nature
Jainism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jainism: Jain Principles, History, Resources, History
Some 2000 years ago a man said, "If anyone holds a grudge against you, don't bother making offerings to gods, go and seek his forgiveness." Four centuries later men made of him a god; said he died for our sins. Strange is this religion business.
This explanation of Jain is far different from my first hearing of the word in American Pastoral (I think the daughter got the wrong idea).
In any event, blessings; I admit to envying your inner peace.
Gandhi championed the Harijans cause. Dont think he would be too happy about how the caste system has dragged its heels in this new century.
&
"Caste prejudice has nothing to do with the Hindu scriptures"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2006/dec/08/comment.indiaâ€
May all living beings grant me forgiveness.
My friendship is with all living beings;
I have hostility towards none."
Jainist may be the exception to the rule that all organized religions are brutal racist and genocidal.
Every religion projects a sweet and peaceful image. Its only in times of hardship that the truth will emerge. Having seen many of these religions up close, I've come to the conclusion that I'm better off without one.