Answer

Pratikraman is a sacred Jain practice of repentance, self-reflection, forgiveness, and purification of the soul.

If you want to do Pratikraman, the best way is to learn it from a Jain sadhu, sadhvi, guru, pathshala teacher, or knowledgeable shravak/shravika, because the exact method and sutras can differ by tradition.

At a simple level, you can begin with this spirit:

• Sit peacefully with humility.
• Remember Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, and Sadhu Bhagwant.
• Reflect on mistakes done by mind, speech, and body.
• Ask forgiveness for harm, anger, pride, deceit, greed, carelessness, or violence.
• Forgive all living beings.
• Resolve to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Explanation

A traditional Pratikraman usually includes recitation of Jain sutras and devotional practices such as:

• Samayik – becoming equanimous and peaceful
• Chauvisattho / Logassa – praise of the 24 Tirthankars
• Vandana – respectful bowing to Guru Bhagwant
• Pratikraman – repentance for faults
• Kayotsarg – meditation by detaching from the body
• Pratyakhyan – taking a vow or resolve for self-control

There are different types of Pratikraman:

• Rai Pratikraman – done in the morning
• Devasi Pratikraman – done in the evening
• Pakshik Pratikraman – done every fortnight
• Chaumasi Pratikraman – done every four months
• Samvatsari Pratikraman – done once a year during Paryushan

Simple Way to Start at Home

If you do not yet know the full sutras, you can do a simple beginner’s Pratikraman like this:

• Choose a clean, quiet place.
• Sit with folded hands or in a respectful posture.
• Recite Navkar Mantra if you know it.
• Think honestly about your actions of the day.
• Mentally say: “I ask forgiveness from all living beings. I forgive all living beings. May I have friendship with all and enmity with none.”
• Take a small resolve, such as speaking more gently, avoiding anger, or being more careful about ahimsa.

Spiritual Understanding

Pratikraman is not only a ritual. It is a way to clean the soul from inner impurities like anger, ego, deceit, greed, attachment, and carelessness.

Its true purpose is:

• to become aware of our mistakes,
• to ask forgiveness with sincerity,
• to reduce karmic bondage,
• to grow in ahimsa, humility, and self-control.

Takeaway

Start with sincerity, humility, and forgiveness. Then gradually learn the proper traditional Pratikraman from a knowledgeable Jain teacher according to your tradition. The most important part is the inner feeling of repentance and the resolve to improve.