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what is samayik
Samayik is a foundational Jain practice (an Avashyaka) for laypeople and monks alike. It means a focused period of equanimity and self-purification done daily.
- What you do: sit in a calm posture, reflect on thoughts and actions, recite prayers or scriptures, meditate, and watch over speech, mind, and body to avoid harmful conduct. The aim is to experience inner calm (samata) and purify the mind.
- How long: traditionally about antara-muhurta, i.e., around 48 minutes (some traditions extend it to longer over time).
- What you need: a clean place to sit, a muhpatti (cloth cover over the mouth) and sometimes a small broom or similar tool; dress simply and sit quietly without disturbed activity.
- Why it matters: it helps stop new karmic bondage, increases equanimity toward all beings, and supports progress on the path toward liberation.
Two notes on tradition:
- It is described as one of the six essential daily duties (avashyak) for both lay Jains and monks.
- The core idea and duration are broadly the same in Digambar and Shwetambar communities, though minor procedural details (posture, accompanying rituals) can vary by tradition.
