In Jain dharma, both things matter:

• the inner state (bhāva) – sincerity, regret, humility, resolve
• the outer form (dravya) – words, posture, timing, ritual structure

1. Can the “reset” happen without formal Jain ritual?

At the core, karmic bondage and its shedding depend on bhāva:

• honestly seeing one’s faults
• feeling true remorse (ālambana with kṣamā-bhāva)
• resolving not to repeat them (pratyākhyān / saṅkalpa)

So yes: even if someone does not know all the Prakrit/Sanskrit sutras, a genuine inner turnaround aligned with Jain principles (ahiṃsā, satya, brahmacharya, aparigraha, etc.) has real spiritual value.

From a Jain standpoint, a heartfelt confession and firm resolve, even in one’s own language, is not empty. Many ācāryas explicitly allow and encourage practice in deśa-bhāṣā (local language), especially for laypeople.

2. Then why do form, words, and timing exist?

The traditional form is not just “culture”; it serves clear psychological and spiritual functions:

• Bowing / physical posture

- Trains humility and dissolves ego. - Makes the body participate in what the mind is doing: “I am small; Truth, Jina, and Guru are great.”

• Specific words / sutras

- They are carefully composed to include: - confession (ālocanā) - repentance (pratikramaṇa) - resolve not to repeat (pratyākhyān) - taking refuge in Arihanta–Siddha–Āchārya–Upādhyāya–Sādhu - Reciting them creates clarity and structure; you don’t forget key parts of the process.

• Time-bound commitment (e.g., today, fortnightly, yearly)

- Builds a habit of regular self-audit. - It prevents vague spirituality — you actually ask: “In this specific period, where did I go wrong? What will I stop from now on?”

• Fixed ritual container

- Helps the mind shift into a serious mode: “Now I am not in casual life; now I am in pratikraman / vow / reset mode.” - That container holds and magnifies the inner work.

So, the formality amplifies and protects the very psychological and spiritual process you’re asking about.

3. How to balance: essence vs. form?

From a Jain perspective:

• Essential and non-negotiable:

- honesty with oneself - genuine remorse - clear decision to change - orientation toward the Jina’s path (Samyak Darshan–Jñān–Chāritra)

• Highly recommended and traditionally expected:

- using Jain concepts and framework - some physical expression of reverence (namaskār, bowing) - some structured wording (even if simplified and in your own language) - periodic / time-bound practice, not random

In simple terms:

• Without inner bhāva, ritual is almost empty.
• Without some form, inner bhāva often becomes vague, irregular, and weak.

So yes, a person can begin this “reset” even without perfect Jain language and full ritual, provided the inner work is sincere and aligned with Jain principles. But over time, bringing it into a more defined Jain form (however simple) usually deepens both the psychology and the spirituality of the practice.