Answer

During Paryushan, Jains focus on purification of the soul through:

• Fasting and tapasya
• Prayer and meditation
• Listening to Jain scriptures and discourses
• Practicing forgiveness
• Self-discipline and simplicity
• Repentance for past mistakes
• Asking forgiveness from all living beings

Explanation

Paryushan is one of the most important Jain festivals. It is a time for turning inward and reducing worldly activities.

Common practices include:

• Upvas – fasting for one or more days
• Ayambil – eating very simple, tasteless food once a day
• Pratikraman – reflecting on wrong actions and repenting
• Samayik – sitting in equanimity and spiritual reflection
• Swadhyay – study of Jain teachings
• Listening to Kalpa Sutra – especially in Shvetambar tradition
• Charity and compassion – helping others and avoiding harm

For Shvetambar Jains, Paryushan is generally observed for 8 days. For Digambar Jains, the related festival is called Das Lakshan Parva, observed for 10 days, focusing on ten spiritual virtues.

Spiritual Understanding

The main purpose of Paryushan is not only external fasting, but inner purification. Jains try to reduce anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, and harmful thoughts.

The most important spirit of Paryushan is forgiveness. At the end, Jains say:

Michhami Dukkadam

This means: “If I have hurt you knowingly or unknowingly, through thought, speech, or action, I ask for forgiveness.”

Takeaway

Paryushan is a sacred time for Jains to cleanse the soul, practice self-control, seek forgiveness, and move closer to the path of liberation.