What to do during paryushan
Answer
During Paryushan, the main focus is inner purification, self-discipline, repentance, and forgiveness. If you can, do the following:- Pratikraman daily
- Samayik for शांत mind and आत्म-ध्यान
- Fasting / upvas / ekasana / ayambil according to your capacity and tradition
- Swadhyay: read Jain scriptures, sutras, or devotional texts
- Japa of the Namokar Mantra
- Kshama: forgive others and ask forgiveness
- Reduce anger, gossip, attachment, and harm
- Practice compassion, non-violence, and simplicity
- Serve parents, elders, साधु-साध्वी, and the needy with humility
Explanation
Paryushan is a special time to turn inward. The outer rituals are important, but the deeper purpose is to cleanse the mind, speech, and conduct.A good daily routine during Paryushan can be:
- Morning: Namokar Mantra, reflection, and samayik
- Daytime: simple food, restraint, less talking, careful conduct
- Evening: pratikraman, swadhyay, and forgiveness prayer
- Before sleep: self-review of the day and repentance for mistakes
If full fasting is not possible, do what is possible with sincerity. In Jain Dharma, bhava-shuddhi is very important.
Spiritual Understanding
Paryushan is a time for:- Atma-chintan — self-reflection
- Kshama — forgiveness
- Tapas — purification through restraint
- Ahimsa — reducing harm in thought, word, and deed
- Vairagya — reducing attachment
The real fruit of Paryushan comes when we become softer, more humble, and more जागृत भीतर से.