Answer

The Iriyawaiya Sutra is a Jain prayer of repentance and forgiveness. In English, its central meaning is:

“I ask forgiveness from all living beings for any harm caused by me through walking, standing, sitting, lying down, eating, speaking, or any other activity, whether done knowingly or unknowingly. May all beings forgive me. I also forgive all beings.”

Explanation

This sutra expresses:

• Acknowledge of possible harm to living beings in daily life
• Humility and repentance
• Request for forgiveness
• Forgiveness toward others

In Jain Dharma, this is a very sacred attitude because it helps purify the mind and reduce karmic bondage.

Spiritual Understanding

The Iriyawaiya Sutra teaches the Jain ideal of ahimsa in a deep way.

It reminds us that:

• even small actions can hurt living beings
• we should remain careful and mindful
• forgiveness is a spiritual strength
• purity comes through repentance and non-violence

Takeaway

The sutra is a beautiful prayer of awareness, compassion, and forgiveness. It helps a Jain practitioner become more gentle, careful, and spiritually clean in daily life.