Answer

The Iriyavahiya Sutra / Mantra is a prayer of repentance and forgiveness for any harm caused to living beings while moving, walking, sitting, standing, or doing daily activities.

Its summary meaning is:

“While walking or moving, if I have knowingly or unknowingly hurt, crushed, disturbed, or killed any living being, I sincerely repent for that sin and ask for forgiveness.”

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, even very tiny living beings may be harmed unintentionally during daily movement. The Iriyavahiya reminds us to be aware of:

• Walking carefully
• Avoiding harm to insects and small beings
• Feeling remorse for accidental violence
• Purifying the soul through repentance

This mantra is commonly recited as part of Pratikraman, especially to confess and repent for violence caused by physical movement.

Spiritual Understanding

The deeper message of Iriyavahiya is Ahimsa — non-violence in thought, word, and action.

It teaches that a Jain should not be careless even in ordinary actions. If harm happens unintentionally, one should not ignore it, but sincerely do alochana, pratikraman, and pratyakhyan — confession, repentance, and resolve not to repeat the fault.

Takeaway

Iriyavahiya means becoming mindful of the harm we may cause while moving and sincerely repenting for it with humility and awareness.