Answer

During Paryushan, Jains focus on spiritual purification, self-discipline, forgiveness, and deepening their connection with the soul.

Common practices include:

• Pratikraman – reflecting on mistakes and seeking forgiveness
• Fasting and tapasya – such as upvas, ekasana, or other austerities
• Swadhyay – studying Jain scriptures and teachings
• Samayik – practicing equanimity and meditation
• Ahimsa – being extra careful in thoughts, words, and actions
• Forgiveness – asking and giving forgiveness through Micchami Dukkadam

Explanation

Paryushan is one of the most important Jain festivals. It is a time to turn inward and reduce attachment, anger, ego, deceit, and greed. Instead of celebration through enjoyment, Paryushan is observed through restraint, repentance, prayer, and compassion.

In the Śvetāmbara tradition, Paryushan is commonly observed for 8 days. In the Digambara tradition, Das Lakshan Parva is observed for 10 days, focusing on ten virtues such as forgiveness, humility, purity, truth, restraint, and renunciation.

Spiritual Understanding

The deeper purpose of Paryushan is to cleanse the soul by stopping new karmas and shedding past karmas through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

The spirit of Paryushan is beautifully expressed through forgiveness:

Micchami Dukkadam means: “If I have hurt you knowingly or unknowingly, through thoughts, words, or actions, I ask for forgiveness.”

Takeaway

During Paryushan, the main goal is not only fasting, but becoming more humble, forgiving, peaceful, and aware of the soul.