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What are the Pratikraman sutra
In Jainism, Pratikraman is a ritual practice of reflection, repentance, and self-correction, performed regularly by devout Jains. The term "Pratikraman" literally means "turning back" or "returning to oneself," symbolizing the spiritual process of acknowledging one's transgressions and renewing one's commitment to right conduct.
Pratikraman Sutras are the specific set of Jain scriptures, prayers, and recitations that are chanted or recited during the Pratikraman ritual. These sutras are composed in Prakrit and Sanskrit, and they help practitioners confess past mistakes, seek forgiveness, and reaffirm the vows of right conduct (vratas).
Major Pratikraman Sutras include:
- Namokar Mantra (Navkar Mantra): The fundamental prayer of reverence to the Panch Parameshti (five supreme beings in Jainism).
- Iriyavahiya Sutra: Confession of harm caused by movement and daily activities.
- Tassa Uttari Karane Sutra: Expresses intention to remove past faults and refrain from them in the future.
- Khamemi Savve Jiva Sutra: Seeks forgiveness from all living beings.
- Logassa Sutra: Reverence to the twenty-four Tirthankaras.
- Kayotsarga (body abandonment): A meditative posture and state, often accompanied by recitation of specific sutras.
- Alochana: Confession of specific faults or transgressions.
- Pratikraman Sutra proper: A comprehensive confession and repentance text.
- Pratyakhyan Sutra: Resolution to avoid such faults in the future.
These sutras are recited during daily, fortnightly (Pakkhi), or annual (Samvatsari) Pratikraman rituals. The precise set and sequence may vary between the Shwetambar and Digambar Jain traditions, but the core purpose remains the same: spiritual purification through repentance, forgiveness, and reaffirmation of non-violence (Ahimsa) and other vows.
Purpose of Pratikraman Sutras:
- To reflect on and repent for wrongdoings (Kashay: anger, pride, deceit, greed)
- To seek forgiveness from all living beings
- To renew vows of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct
- To purify the self and progress on the path to liberation (moksha)
In summary: Pratikraman sutras are the sacred texts and recitations used in the Jain ritual of Pratikraman, performed for self-purification, repentance, and reaffirmation of Jain vows.
