Answer

During Paryushan, Jains focus on purification of the soul through self-discipline, forgiveness, study, and compassion.

Common things to do in Paryushan include:

• Pratikraman – daily reflection and repentance for mistakes.
• Samayik – sitting in equanimity and spiritual awareness.
• Fasting or tapasya – such as upvas, ekasana, biyasana, ayambil, or other vows according to one’s capacity.
• Listening to pravachan – discourses on Jain Dharma and scriptures.
• Reading Jain scriptures – especially teachings on right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
• Practicing ahimsa – being extra careful in thoughts, words, and actions.
• Reducing worldly activities – avoiding anger, gossip, entertainment, and unnecessary desires.
• Doing charity and seva – helping others with compassion and humility.
• Asking forgiveness – saying Michhami Dukkadam or Khamemi Savve Jiva with sincerity.

Explanation

Paryushan is a time for inner cleansing. The goal is not only fasting, but reducing passions such as:

• anger
• ego
• deceit
• greed
• attachment
• hatred

Even if one cannot do difficult tapasya, one can still observe Paryushan meaningfully by being peaceful, truthful, forgiving, and mindful.

Spiritual Understanding

The most important practice of Paryushan is forgiveness. We reflect on harm caused knowingly or unknowingly and ask forgiveness from all living beings.

A common forgiveness sentiment is:

Michhami Dukkadam — “May my faults and offenses be forgiven.”

Takeaway

Paryushan is a sacred opportunity to pause worldly life, purify the soul, forgive others, ask forgiveness, and move closer to the Jain path of liberation.