What are different means of prayaschitta for sadhvis

In Jainism, prāyaścitta (प्रायश्चित्त) refers to atonement or expiation for transgressions against the rules of conduct, and it is an important aspect of the monastic discipline, including for sādhvīs (female ascetics).

The means of prāyaścitta for sādhvīs are generally the same as for sādhus (male ascetics), as prescribed in Jain scriptures such as the Ācāranga Sūtra, Dasavaikālika Sūtra, Niyamasara, and various commentaries. However, the implementation may be tailored considering the status and capabilities of sādhvīs.

The different means of prāyaścitta (expiation) include:

1. Alochana (Confession):

Openly confessing one's faults or transgressions to a superior (usually a senior sādhvī or āchāryā).

1. Pratikraman (Repentance and Retreat):

Performing introspective rituals of repentance, which include reflecting on one’s mistakes and resolving to avoid them in the future.

1. Tapasya (Austerities):

Undertaking voluntary austerities, such as fasting (upavāsa), partial fasting (aayambil), or other forms of penance, to atone for the fault.

1. Vihāra (Change of Place):

Sometimes, the sādhvī may undertake a change of residence or location for a certain period as an act of atonement.

1. Prāyaścitta Karma (Specific Punishments):

These include prescribed acts like reciting certain scriptures, extra study, or additional duties as determined by the spiritual superior.

1. Anupreksha (Contemplation):

Deep contemplation on the nature of the transgression and the vows, to reinforce the resolve and spiritual purity.

1. Upavāsa (Fasting):

Fasting completely or partially for a set period as a mode of purification.

Additional Notes:

• The nature and severity of prāyaścitta depend on the type and gravity of the transgression.
• In the Jain tradition, the process is always non-violent and focused on inner transformation and purification.
• The guidance and supervision of a senior sādhvī or acharya is usually required when prescribing and performing prāyaścitta.

References:

• Jain Monastic Discipline (Jainendra Siddhanta Kosha)
• Niyamasara by Acharya Kundakunda
• Ācāranga Sūtra (Jain canonical text)
• Dasavaikālika Sūtra (Jain canonical text)

Summary Table:

| Means of Prāyaścitta | Description | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Alochana | Confession | | Pratikraman | Repentance and retreat | | Tapasya | Austerities (fasting, penance) | | Vihāra | Change of place | | Prāyaścitta Karma | Specific acts as atonement | | Anupreksha | Contemplation on faults and vows | | Upavāsa | Fasting |

These practices help sādhvīs maintain the purity of their vows and progress on the path of spiritual liberation.