Vasakshep (also written vashakshep / vaskep) is normally used on a book or chowki, not directly on your body. “On oneself” is usually meant in the sense of doing it personally (by yourself), not putting it on your skin.

Below is a simple, traditional way you can use vasakshep yourself, in front of a Jin Pratima or a Jain granth (book):

1. Prepare yourself

- Take a bath or at least wash hands, mouth and feet. - Wear clean, simple clothes. - Sit peacefully in front of the Jin Pratima or a Jain scripture.

1. Take vasakshep

- Take a small pinch of vasakshep in your right hand. - Keep mind calm, with bhav of respect and desire for right knowledge.

1. Five placements (symbol of 5 Gyan)

Usually done on a pothi (scripture) or clean wooden board/chowki:

1. Top–right corner – place a bit of vasakshep and think/say: - “Matigyaan” (direct knowing by mind–senses) 2. Bottom–right corner – place and say: - “Shrutgyaan” (scriptural knowledge) 3. Bottom–left corner – place and say: - “Avadhigyaan” (limited clairvoyant knowledge) 4. Top–left corner – place and say: - “Manahparyavgyaan” (knowledge of others’ thoughts) 5. Center – place and say: - “Kevalgyaan” (perfect, infinite knowledge of Arihant)

1. After the 5 placements

According to many traditions: - Make 5 swastik (सतिया) with akshat etc. - Offer 5 naivedya (sweets) and 5 fruits (if you are doing full vidhi). - Do 5 khamāsanā (Ichchhāmi Khamāsamāno… with bowing).

1. Bhāv (inner attitude)

- Pray: “May I move towards true understanding like these 5 jñān, and may delusion decrease.” - Keep mind away from worldly thoughts; focus on soul and right knowledge.

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Important points / precautions

• Do not apply vasakshep on your body like tilak etc. in Jain dharma. It is mainly for vidhi on granth / chowki in this context.
• Keep vasakshep only for pooja, in a clean separate container.
• If any falls on the floor, gently clean the place afterwards with respect.
• Always do vasakshep with shraddhā and non–showy manner, not for display.

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In Digambar and Shwetambar traditions, the core meaning (symbol of 5 jñān) is the same. Small practical details (exact words, what is offered after, etc.) may differ by sect or local upashray/derasar, so follow your guru or local tradition if they instruct differently.

For a more detailed, step‑by‑step description of vasakshep pooja, you can read here