Answer

Iriyāvahiyā Sutra is a Jain repentance sutra recited to ask forgiveness for harm caused while walking, moving, sitting, standing, or doing daily activities.

A word-by-word explanation can be given, but the exact wording of this sutra may vary slightly by tradition and script. To avoid altering sacred text, I will explain the commonly accepted meaning of the main Prakrit words and phrases.

Word-by-Word Meaning

Iriyāvahiyāe By movement, walking, or activity.

virāhanāe By causing injury, harm, disturbance, or violence.

gamanāgamane In going and coming.

pāṇa Living beings with life-breath.

bhūya Living beings, creatures.

jīva Souls, living beings.

satta Sentient beings.

saṅghāṭṭiyā Touched, collided with, or struck.

pariyāṭṭiyā Turned over, rolled over, or disturbed.

kilāmiyā Tormented, troubled, or caused suffering.

uddaviyā Distressed, frightened, or agitated.

ṭhāṇāo ṭhāṇaṁ From one place to another place.

saṅkāmiyā Moved or displaced.

jīviyāo vavaroviyā Deprived of life; caused death.

tassa micchāmi dukkaḍaṁ For that, may my wrongdoing be forgiven.

Explanation

The sutra expresses repentance for violence that may have happened unknowingly during movement. Jain Dharma teaches that even ordinary actions like walking can harm tiny living beings such as:

• One-sensed beings
• Small insects
• Earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, and plant-bodied beings

The devotee sincerely reflects:

• If I touched any living being,
• If I disturbed any living being,
• If I caused pain to any living being,
• If I moved it from its place,
• If I caused death knowingly or unknowingly,

then “Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṁ” — may that sinful action become fruitless through sincere repentance.

Spiritual Understanding

Iriyāvahiyā Sutra teaches deep awareness in daily life. It reminds us that Jain Dharma is not only about big vows, but also about carefulness in small actions.

Its main spiritual messages are:

• Ahimsa — non-violence toward all living beings.
• Apramāda — carefulness and alertness.
• Pratikraman — sincere repentance for mistakes.
• Compassion — sensitivity toward even the smallest life forms.

Takeaway

Iriyāvahiyā Sutra is a humble prayer of forgiveness for harm caused through movement and daily activity. It trains the soul to become more careful, compassionate, and non-violent.