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Pratikraman sutra anuvrat
Pratikraman is an important spiritual practice in Jainism, involving reflection, repentance, and renewal of vows. It is performed regularly (daily, fortnightly, etc.) by both Shravakas (lay followers) and Sadhus (monks/nuns). The practice includes recitation of various sutras and reaffirmation of vows.
Anuvrat refers to the "small vows" observed by lay Jains (Shravakas), as opposed to the "Mahavrat" (great vows) observed by ascetics.
Connection between Pratikraman Sutra and Anuvrat
During Pratikraman, lay followers recall and reaffirm the five Anuvrats (small vows):
- Ahimsa Anuvrat (Vow of non-violence)
- Satya Anuvrat (Vow of truth)
- Achaurya/ Asteya Anuvrat (Vow of non-stealing)
- Brahmacharya Anuvrat (Vow of chastity or sexual restraint)
- Aparigraha Anuvrat (Vow of non-attachment)
In the Pratikraman ritual, specific sutras are recited where the practitioner repents for any faults or transgressions related to these vows and resolves to uphold them more sincerely in the future.
Example: Pratikraman Sutra Affirming Anuvrat
A commonly recited verse (in Prakrit):
"Micchāmi dukkaḍaṃ. Kāussaggaṃ paḍikkamāmi. Savva pāvappaṇāsaṇā, Aṇuvrataṃ paḍikkamāmi."
Translation:
- "I ask for forgiveness for all faults, knowingly or unknowingly committed. I repent for my faults. For the destruction of all sins, I reaffirm my Anuvrats."
Pratikraman and the Five Anuvrats
During Pratikraman, the devotee reflects on how they may have transgressed these vows and seeks forgiveness (Khamat Khamna) while resolving to follow them more diligently.
In summary: Pratikraman sutras include confession and renewal of the Anuvrats by lay Jains. The actual sutras may vary by sect (Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi, Shwetambar Murtipujak, Digambar), but the principle of reaffirming the Anuvrats is central to all Pratikraman rituals.
If you would like the specific text of the sutras for each Anuvrat as recited during Pratikraman, please specify your sect/tradition, as the wording may differ.
