Answer

Paryushana is one of the most important and sacred periods in Jain Dharma. It is a time for deep spiritual reflection, repentance, self-purification, fasting, study, and forgiveness.

In simple words, Paryushana is a period when Jains try to come closer to the soul by reducing attachment to the body, senses, and worldly habits.

Explanation

What is Paryushana?

The word Paryushana is understood as a time for dwelling inward or staying close to the self. During this period, Jains focus on:

• repentance for past mistakes
• control over mind, speech, and body
• detachment from worldly pleasures
• religious study
• compassion and forgiveness

It is not just a festival of celebration. It is mainly a festival of inner purification.

Why is it important?

In Jain Dharma, the soul becomes covered by karma because of:

• anger
• pride
• deceit
• greed
• attachment
• jealousy
• violence
• negligence

Paryushana is a special chance to reduce these tendencies and cleanse the inner self through discipline and devotion.

What Jains do every day during Paryushana

The exact observances may differ by sect, family tradition, age, and health, but the common practices are:

1. Fasting or restraint in food

Many Jains observe:

• full fasts
• partial fasts
• one-meal-a-day
• upvas, ayambil, or other forms of tapas
• avoiding tasty, rich, or stimulating food

The purpose is not only physical discipline, but also control of desires.

2. Pratikraman

This is one of the most important practices during Paryushana.

Pratikraman means:

• self-review
• repentance
• asking forgiveness from living beings
• remembering sins of speech, thought, and action
• resolving not to repeat wrong actions

It is a daily spiritual cleansing practice. During Paryushana, many Jains do it with extra seriousness and devotion.

3. Samayik

Many perform Samayik, which is a state of spiritual equanimity.

In Samayik, one tries to:

• remain calm and steady
• reduce passions
• stay mindful of the soul
• avoid harmful thoughts and speech
• spend time in prayer, meditation, or scripture reading

4. Swadhyay

This means study of scriptures and spiritual texts.

During Paryushana, Jains often listen to or पढ़ते/ पढ़ते? Let's stay English. They often study:

• Jain scriptures
• teachings of the Tirthankaras
• stories that inspire renunciation, compassion, and non-violence

This helps strengthen right understanding.

5. Pravachan and religious discourse

Many communities arrange:

• sermons by monks, nuns, or learned speakers
• explanations of Jain principles
• discussions on karma, forgiveness, vows, and ethics

This helps deepen faith and clarity.

6. More care in conduct

During Paryushana, Jains try to be extra careful about:

• ahimsa: avoiding harm to living beings
• speech: speaking gently and truthfully
• thoughts: avoiding anger and pride
• daily conduct: reducing entertainment and distractions
• humility and self-control

7. Charity and service

Some people use this period to practice:

• दान / charity
• helping others
• supporting temples, monks, nuns, and religious activities
• feeding the needy in a non-violent and respectful way

8. Asking for forgiveness

This is one of the most beautiful parts of Paryushana.

Jains sincerely say:

• Micchami Dukkadam
• meaning: “May my faults be forgiven” or “If I have hurt you in any way, I ask your forgiveness.”

This is not just a social phrase. It expresses deep humility and the Jain spirit of non-violence and reconciliation.

What is special during Paryushana?

1. Spiritual intensity

The whole atmosphere becomes more sacred and disciplined. People become more serious about:

• repentance
• fasting
• prayer
• self-control
• inner peace

2. Forgiveness

Forgiveness is the heart of the period. Jains do not only ask forgiveness from humans, but also cultivate inner forgiveness toward all living beings.

This teaches:

• no hatred
• no revenge
• no ego
• no lingering resentment

3. Reduction of worldly activities

Many Jains reduce:

• social gatherings
• entertainment
• unnecessary travel
• indulgent food
• distractions

This creates space for spiritual focus.

4. Special vows and tapas

Some people take extra vows during Paryushana, such as:

• fasting for several days
• silence
• limiting possessions
• avoiding certain foods
• increasing scripture study

5. Reflection on karma

This period is especially important for understanding that every action leaves an effect on the soul. Jains reflect on how to become lighter, cleaner, and freer from karma.

6. Final day of forgiveness

For many Śvetāmbara Jains, the last day is especially important and is known as Samvatsari. On this day, people ask forgiveness from everyone.

Among Digambara Jains, a similar spirit is observed through the Das Lakshana period, which emphasizes ten virtues such as forgiveness, humility, truth, contentment, purity, and self-restraint. The names and observances may differ, but the spiritual goal is the same: self-purification.

Spiritual Understanding

Paryushana is special because it reminds us of the Jain ideal that:

• the soul is pure
• karma covers the soul
• spiritual progress comes through discipline, repentance, and compassion

It teaches us to look inward rather than outward. Instead of blaming others, we examine ourselves. Instead of holding anger, we practice forgiveness. Instead of indulging the senses, we strengthen the soul.

This is why Paryushana is not only a festival—it is a path of transformation.

Takeaway

Paryushana is a sacred time of fasting, prayer, study, repentance, samayik, pratikraman, and forgiveness. What makes it special is the deep effort to purify the soul and live closer to Jain ideals of non-violence, humility, and self-restraint.

If you want, I can also explain Paryushana day by day in simple language or give a short version for children.