Answer

Paryushan is one of the most sacred periods in Jain Dharma. According to Jain tradition, it is a time for:

• Self-purification
• Forgiveness
• Repentance for past mistakes
• Study of scriptures
• Tapasya and restraint
• Strengthening the soul’s path toward liberation

The word Paryushan is commonly understood as “coming closer to the soul” or “abiding in the self.”

Explanation

In Jain tradition, Paryushan is observed differently in the two main traditions:

• Śvetāmbara tradition: Paryushan is generally observed for 8 days.
• Digambara tradition: The sacred period is observed as Das Lakshan Parva for 10 days.

During this period, Jains focus on:

• Pratikraman – reflection and repentance for wrong actions
• Swadhyay – study of Jain scriptures
• Tapasya – fasting and austerities
• Samayik – practicing equanimity
• Ahimsa – extra care in non-violence
• Kshamapana – asking forgiveness from all beings

In the Śvetāmbara tradition, the Kalpa Sutra is especially recited during Paryushan. It includes important accounts related to Bhagwan Mahavir, the Tirthankars, and the conduct of monks.

In the Digambara tradition, Das Lakshan Dharma is emphasized. The ten supreme virtues are:

• Uttam Kshama – Supreme forgiveness
• Uttam Mardav – Supreme humility
• Uttam Arjav – Supreme straightforwardness
• Uttam Shauch – Supreme purity/contentment
• Uttam Satya – Supreme truthfulness
• Uttam Sanyam – Supreme self-restraint
• Uttam Tap – Supreme austerity
• Uttam Tyag – Supreme renunciation
• Uttam Akinchan – Supreme non-possessiveness
• Uttam Brahmacharya – Supreme celibacy/chastity

Spiritual Understanding

Paryushan is not only a festival; it is a spiritual discipline. Jain scriptures repeatedly teach that the soul becomes pure by reducing passions such as:

• Anger
• Ego
• Deceit
• Greed
• Attachment
• Hatred

The heart of Paryushan is kshama — forgiveness.

At the end of Paryushan, Jains ask forgiveness with the feeling:

Michhami Dukkadam

This means: “If I have caused harm to you by thought, word, or action, knowingly or unknowingly, may those faults be forgiven.”

Takeaway

Paryushan, as understood in Jain tradition, is a sacred opportunity to turn inward, purify the soul, practice forgiveness, study scriptures, and renew one’s commitment to ahimsa, self-control, and liberation.