Pratikraman is same as Alochana
Not exactly. In Jainism:
- Pratikraman is a formal ritual of repentance. It is a structured practice where a Jain reflects on past transgressions, performs confession (prayopaveshan), asks for forgiveness, and expresses commitment to non-violence and right conduct. It is often done at regular intervals (e.g., on specific days or during Pratikraman ceremonies) and may involve bowing to Tirthankaras and saints, and reciting prayers.
- Alochana (often translated as self-recussion or self-critique) is the inner act of recognizing and admitting one’s faults or misdeeds. It is the introspective part of living righteously, and it can be a component of Pratikraman, but Alochana itself is more about the inner, mental admission rather than the full ritual procedure.
In practice, many Jain communities consider Alochana as the internal aspect of repentance, while Pratikraman is the external, liturgical expression of that repentance. There can be slight differences in emphasis between Digambar and Śvetāmbar traditions, but the core idea remains that Pratikraman includes confession and renunciation, of which Alochana is a key inner element.
If you’d like, I can outline the typical steps or verses involved in a Pratikraman and show how Alochana fits into it, with references from Jain scriptures.