Answer

Pratikraman is done as a sincere process of repentance, self-reflection, forgiveness, and spiritual purification. In Jain Dharma, it is a way to review one’s thoughts, words, and actions, ask forgiveness for mistakes, and renew the resolve to live with more awareness and non-violence.

How Pratikraman Is Generally Done

The exact method may vary by Jain tradition, sect, language, and family practice, but the main spirit remains the same.

• 1. Prepare with purity and calmness
  Sit in a clean place with a peaceful mind. Traditionally, one sits respectfully and focuses on the soul.
• 2. Remember the Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyays, and Sadhus
  Pratikraman begins with reverence toward the Panch Parmeshthi and the path shown by the Tirthankars.
• 3. Perform self-reflection
  One reflects on mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly through:
  • mind
  • speech
  • body
  This includes harm, anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, carelessness, and lack of restraint.
• 4. Ask for forgiveness
  One sincerely repents for faults and asks forgiveness from all living beings. This feeling is central to Pratikraman.
• 5. Recite Pratikraman sutras
  Traditional sutras and prayers are recited according to one’s tradition. These may include prayers of repentance, forgiveness, reverence, and renunciation.
• 6. Do Alochana and Pratikraman
  Alochana means acknowledging one’s faults. Pratikraman means turning back from wrong conduct and returning to the right path.
• 7. Take Pachchakkhan or resolve
  One takes a vow or resolution to avoid repeating the same mistakes and to practice greater discipline.
• 8. End with forgiveness and peace
  The spirit is: “I forgive all living beings, and I ask forgiveness from all living beings.”

Types of Pratikraman

• Devasi Pratikraman – performed in the evening for faults committed during the day.
• Rai Pratikraman – performed in the morning for faults committed during the night.
• Pakshik Pratikraman – performed every fortnight.
• Chaumasi Pratikraman – performed every four months.
• Samvatsari Pratikraman – performed annually during Paryushan; considered especially important.

Spiritual Understanding

Pratikraman is not only recitation. Its true purpose is inner purification. A person honestly examines:

• Whom did I hurt?
• Where did I act with anger, ego, deceit, or greed?
• Did I violate ahimsa, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, or non-possessiveness?
• How can I become more careful and compassionate?

Through this, the soul moves away from carelessness and closer to right conduct.

Takeaway

Pratikraman is done by remembering one’s faults, repenting sincerely, asking forgiveness, reciting the proper sutras, and resolving not to repeat mistakes. Its essence is humility, awareness, forgiveness, and returning to the path of the soul.