Answer

We do Pratikraman to reflect on our mistakes, ask forgiveness, purify our thoughts, and return to the path of right conduct.

In Jain Dharma, Pratikraman means “turning back” from wrong actions and moving again toward the soul’s purity.

Explanation

During daily life, knowingly or unknowingly, we may commit faults through:

• Mind – wrong thoughts, anger, ego, jealousy
• Speech – harsh words, lies, gossip, hurtful language
• Body – harmful actions, carelessness, violence

Pratikraman helps us recognize these faults and sincerely repent for them. It includes:

• Remembering our mistakes
• Asking forgiveness from all living beings
• Forgiving others
• Resolving not to repeat harmful actions
• Strengthening samyag darshan, samyag jnan, and samyag charitra

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma teaches that karma binds to the soul because of passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed. Pratikraman weakens these passions and helps stop new karmic bondage.

It is not just a ritual; it is an inner cleansing. Just as we clean the body every day, Pratikraman cleans the inner self through repentance, humility, forgiveness, and awareness.

Takeaway

We do Pratikraman to become more aware, less harmful, more forgiving, and closer to the pure nature of the soul.