In Jainism, this question is understood a little differently:

1. Jainism does not believe in a creator God who “punishes” or “forgives.”

- There is no one sitting above you, angry or pleased with you. - The universe runs by law of karma, not by God’s changing mood.

1. So who “forgives”?

- Your own karma changes when: - You realize your mistake (true regret in the heart). - You stop doing the wrong action. - You ask forgiveness from those you have hurt. - You decide firmly not to repeat it. - This inner change is called pratikraman (repentance and return to the right path).

1. Role of Arihant and Siddha (God in Jainism)

- In Jainism, “God” means Arihant Bhagwan (perfected beings) and Siddha Bhagwan (liberated souls). - They do not forgive or punish individually. - They are like a perfect light – when you follow their teachings (ahimsa, truth, non-stealing, purity, non‑possessiveness), your own karmas start to fall away. - Sitting in their remembrance with repentance purifies you from inside.

1. If you feel guilty or scared right now

You can start like this, in very simple words (say it in your own language, but with true feeling):

- “From my heart, I accept my mistakes.” - “Where I have hurt any living being by thought, word, or action – knowingly or unknowingly – I ask forgiveness.” - “I forgive all who have hurt me.” - “I will sincerely try not to repeat this.”

This is the spirit of the Jain prayer:

“Khamemi savve jiva, savve jiva khamantu me; Mitti me savva bhuesu, veram majjham na kenai.” “I forgive all living beings, may all living beings forgive me; I am friendly to all, I have hatred towards none.”

1. What you can practically do now

- If possible, say sorry directly to the person/people you hurt. - If not possible, pray for them, and do inner pratikraman. - Change your behavior step by step – this is the real proof of repentance. - If you know any Jain pratikraman sutras, recite them with understanding. Even a short daily reflection at night helps.

1. So, does God forgive you?

- In Jain view: - There is no creator God keeping a scorecard. - Your soul is pure by nature. - When you truly repent and change, your karmas become light and start to shed. - In that sense, you are not condemned forever. You can always start again.

Your feeling of regret is already a big step on the right path in Jain Dharma.