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The soul, in its pure form, possesses infinite perception, knowledge, vigor, and is free from attachments. However, in the worldly state, the soul becomes tainted with karmas. By following religious principles and engaging in pious activities, we can overcome our karmas and elevate our souls towards liberation. One of the most important rituals in this regard is pratikraman, which allows us to repent for our non-meritorious actions on a daily basis. Through pratikraman, we acknowledge our mistakes, seek forgiveness, and work towards minimizing the intensity of our karmas and ultimately breaking free from karmic bondage.
Pratikraman is a combination of six essential rituals known as avshyakas:
Samayik: During samayik, we cultivate a state of equanimity for forty-eight minutes. By temporarily detaching ourselves from worldly affairs and overcoming attachment and aversion, we pacify our passions and desires. We dress in simple, clean white clothes and find a quiet place to engage in activities such as reciting the Navkar Mantra, reading scriptures, and practicing meditation. Samayik provides a glimpse into the life of sadhus (monks) who dedicate themselves to samayik, inspiring us to adopt a similar path.
Chauvisantho: Chauvisantho involves the adoration of the twenty-four Tirthankars, expressing our respect for their victorious conquest over inner enemies like anger, ego, greed, and deceit. By reciting prayers and reflecting on their achievements, we are encouraged to emulate their virtues. This ritual is also known as Chaturvinshatistava.
Vandana: During vandana, we bow down to monks and nuns, expressing reverence towards them as our spiritual guides and mentors. This act of humility helps us overcome ego and anger, while also inspiring us to aspire to their level of spiritual attainment. In the absence of monks and nuns, we bow down in the North-East direction, symbolically paying homage to the Arihantas who reside far away.
Pratikraman: Pratikraman, derived from the words "pra" (return) and "atikraman" (violation), signifies a return from our transgressions. As Jain householders, we observe twelve minor vows to minimize violence towards living beings and reduce harm to our souls. During Pratikraman, we introspect on our actions, seeking forgiveness for any violations committed against these vows. Through this practice, we purify our souls, improve our future conduct, and aspire to take up these vows if we haven't already.
Pratikraman is typically performed twice a day: Raisi (morning) Pratikraman for reflecting on the previous night's actions, and Devasi (evening) Pratikraman for the events of the day. For those unable to perform daily pratikraman, a Pakshik (fortnightly) Pratikraman can be done every fifteen days. If time constraints persist, a Choumasi (quarterly) Pratikraman is recommended once every four months. However, every Jain should partake in the Samvatsari (yearly) Pratikraman, considered essential. By repenting during Pratikraman, we reduce the karmic bondage on our souls and strive to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Failure to repent at least once a year intensifies the bondage of karmas, making it more difficult to shed them. Ideally, Pratikraman should be performed as soon as we become aware of committing a sin.
Kayotsargga: Kayotsargga entails giving up physical comfort and body movements, maintaining stillness in either a standing posture or another position, while focusing on the true nature of the soul as distinct from the body. This form of meditation, coupled with recitation of the Navkar Mantra or Chauvisantho, enables us to gain control over our mental, verbal, and physical activities.
Pratyakhyan: Pratyakhyan involves formally renouncing certain activities to reduce or halt the inflow of karmas. By practicing Pratyakhyan, we learn to control our desires and prepare ourselves for more significant renunciations.
In summary, pratikraman serves as a means to restrain ourselves, appreciate the virtuous actions of others, and guide us on their path. Through these essential rituals, we can purify our souls, minimize karmic bondage, and progress on our spiritual journey.
