Atichar in detail

In Jainism, Atichar (अतिक्रम or अतिचार) refers to minor transgressions or infractions that occur while observing the main vows (vratas) and restraints (gunasthanas). They are essentially the "small slips" or "partial breaches" that compromise the purity or completeness of a vow, even if the main vow itself is not entirely broken. Recognizing and atoning for atichar is vital for spiritual progress, as even minor lapses can accumulate karmic bondage.

Context: Vows (Vratas) in Jainism

Jains, both householders (Shravakas) and ascetics (Munis), undertake vratas (vows) to govern their conduct. There are five main vows (Mahavratas for ascetics, Anuvratas for householders):

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence)
2. Satya (Truthfulness)
3. Asteya (Non-stealing)
4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity)
5. Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment)

Each vow has specific atichars—prescribed minor faults associated with imperfect observance.

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Atichar Explained in Detail

1. Definition

Atichar are minor violations or lapses that do not completely nullify a vow but taint its observance. They are considered obstacles to perfect spiritual discipline and are to be avoided and confessed regularly.

2. Purpose

• To help practitioners become aware of subtle faults.
• To refine ethical and moral behavior.
• To minimize accumulation of new karma.
• To encourage mindfulness and self-correction.

3. Common Atichars for Each Vow

A. Ahimsa Anuvrata (Vow of Non-violence)

Five main atichars:

1. Chhidra-Dan: Giving tools or advice to others that could be used for violence.
2. Bandhan: Tying or confining living beings.
3. Vadh: Beating or physically harming.
4. Uchchhistan: Carelessly wasting food/material, leading to harm of microorganisms.
5. Parigraha Samrambha: Causing harm due to attachment to possessions.

B. Satya Anuvrata (Vow of Truthfulness)

Five main atichars:

1. Hiding Truth: Concealing facts when truth should be told.
2. False Accusation: Wrongly blaming others.
3. Divulging Secrets: Revealing something told in confidence.
4. Forgery: Creating false documents or information.
5. Misrepresentation: Twisting facts for personal gain.

C. Asteya Anuvrata (Vow of Non-stealing)

Five main atichars:

1. Encouraging Theft: Supporting or instigating others to steal.
2. Receiving Stolen Goods: Accepting items known to be stolen.
3. Using False Weights: Cheating in measurement.
4. Evasion of Taxes: Not paying due taxes or dues.
5. Taking Without Permission: Using or taking property without proper consent.

D. Brahmacharya Anuvrata (Vow of Chastity)

Five main atichars:

1. Sensual Thoughts: Entertaining impure thoughts.
2. Provocation: Encouraging others towards sensuality.
3. Association with the Sensual: Keeping company of those indulging in sensual pleasures.
4. Viewing Obscene Material: Looking at or reading inappropriate content.
5. Ornamentation: Using ornaments or cosmetics to enhance sensual appeal.

E. Aparigraha Anuvrata (Vow of Non-possession)

Five main atichars:

1. Desiring More: Coveting more possessions than needed.
2. Stockpiling: Accumulating unnecessary items.
3. Attachment: Emotional attachment to wealth or objects.
4. Fear of Loss: Anxiety over losing possessions.
5. Improper Use: Using resources wastefully.

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Practice and Confession

• Regular Self-Examination: Jains are encouraged to introspect daily (samayik), identify and confess atichar.
• Pratikraman: Rituals like pratikraman are performed to atone for atichar and other faults.
• Goal: The ultimate aim is to purify conduct, reduce karma, and progress toward liberation (moksha).

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Summary Table

| Vow | Number of Main Atichars | Nature of Atichars | |------------------|------------------------|-------------------------| | Ahimsa | 5 | Indirect or careless violence | | Satya | 5 | Subtle falsehoods | | Asteya | 5 | Indirect forms of stealing | | Brahmacharya | 5 | Minor lapses in celibacy | | Aparigraha | 5 | Subtle attachments |

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References:

• "Tattvartha Sutra" by Acharya Umaswati
• "Jainism: The World of Conquerors" by Natubhai Shah
• "Samayik Path" and "Pratikraman Sutra"

In summary: Atichar are minor faults in the observance of vows, carefully detailed in Jain scriptures to help aspirants maintain purity of conduct and advance on the path to liberation.