Answer

We do Khamāsamaṇa during Pratikramaṇa to ask forgiveness with humility for any faults, disrespect, carelessness, or violence done through:

• Mind
• Speech
• Body

It is a way of bowing down with repentance and saying: “I have made mistakes; may I become humble, pure, and careful again.”

Explanation

Pratikramaṇa means turning back from wrong actions and returning to the path of right conduct. During daily life, knowingly or unknowingly, we may hurt living beings, speak harshly, think negatively, become careless, or act with ego.

Khamāsamaṇa helps us:

• Reduce ego through bowing and humility
• Ask forgiveness for mistakes
• Purify our thoughts and conduct
• Develop awareness of ahimsā and self-discipline
• Respect the Guru, Dharma, and all living beings

It is not just a physical bow. The real meaning is inner humility and sincere repentance.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, bondage of karma happens through passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed. When we do Khamāsamaṇa with true feeling, we weaken pride and cultivate forgiveness.

It reminds us:

• “I should not remain careless.”
• “I should correct my mistakes.”
• “I should live with more awareness and non-violence.”

Takeaway

We do Khamāsamaṇa during Pratikramaṇa because Pratikramaṇa is the path of repentance, purification, and returning to right conduct; and Khamāsamaṇa expresses that repentance through humility, forgiveness, and devotion.