Short Pratikraman for students

Here is a very short, authentic Pratikraman you can do in 7–10 minutes. It keeps the essential Jain bhav (spirit) and is suitable for students. Do it calmly, with attention, and mean every word.

Short Pratikraman (7–10 minutes)

1) Shuddhi and sankalp (30 seconds)

• Sit clean, quiet, facing east or north.
• Close eyes, breathe gently, and make a soft resolve: “I will recall my day, accept my faults, ask forgiveness, and resolve to improve.”

2) Navkār Mantra (1–2 minutes)

• Chant with meaning in mind.

ṇamo arihaṃtāṇaṃ ṇamo siddhāṇaṃ ṇamo āyariyāṇaṃ ṇamo uvajjhāyāṇaṃ ṇamo loe savva-sāhūṇaṃ eso paṃca namokkāro, savva-pāva-paṇāsano maṃgalāṇaṃ ca savvesiṃ, paḍhamaṃ havai maṅgalaṃ

Simple arth: I bow to Arihants, Siddhas, Āchāryas, Upādhyāyas and all Sādhus. This five-fold bow destroys sins and is the highest auspicious mantra. Repeat 3 or 9 times, slowly.

3) Alochanā (honest self-review) (1–2 minutes)

• Silently look at the day (or night just passed): where did I slip in ahimsā, truth, respect to parents/teachers, studies, words, phone-use, food-discipline, care for small beings?
• Admit the faults to yourself and feel true remorse (lājjā and garhā).

4) Kṣamāpanā to all beings (1 minute)

• Recite slowly:

Khamemi savve jivā, savve jivā khamantu me; mitti me savva-bhūesu, veraṃ majjha na keṇai. Meaning: I forgive all living beings; may all forgive me. I am friendly to all; I have enmity towards none.

5) Pratikraman-bhāva (clear apology) (1 minute)

• Say with heart: “Whatever harm I did today by mind, speech, or body—knowingly or unknowingly—I sincerely repent. May its bondage be light, and may I not repeat it.”

6) Pratyākhyān/short vow for next 24 hours (1–2 minutes)

• Speak a small, doable resolve:

“Next day I will be careful in: • Ahimsā: walk mindfully, handle books/objects gently, avoid hurting anyone. • Satya: speak softly and truthfully, no gossip. • Achaurya: no copying/cheating; respect others’ time and things. • Brahmacharya-sayyam: guard senses; pure content and friendships. • Aparigraha: limit cravings and screen-time; simple food and needs.” Add any one personal point (e.g., “No harsh words” or “Mindful eating”).

7) Kayotsarga (1 minute)

• Sit or stand still, eyes half-closed, spine easy; remain motionless, observe the breath, and let go of body-awareness. If you wish, mentally repeat “Navkār” or “Arihant-Siddha.”

8) Maitrī-bhāvanā and conclusion (30–60 seconds)

• Cultivate the four bhāvanās: Maitrī (friendliness), Pramod (appreciation of the virtuous), Karuṇā (compassion), Madhyasthya (equanimity).
• End by saying gently: Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ (Forgive any hurt caused by me).

Notes on tradition (to keep it authentic)

• Śvetāmbara: You may begin and end with “Icchāmi Khamāsamaṇaṃ” and, when time allows, add short forms of Iriyāvahiyā, Tassa Uttari, Logassa, and Kayotsarga sutras during Devāsi/Rāisi Pratikraman.
• Digambara: You may begin Samāyik with “Ichchāmi Samāiyaṃ,” do Kayotsarga, Alochanā, and Kṣamāpanā as above; when time allows, include your tradition’s Samāyika-pāṭha and stutis.

Helpful basics and when to do it

• Ideal: Devāsi (evening, for day’s lapses) and Rāisi (morning, for night’s lapses). If not possible, do at least once daily with sincerity.
• Full “How to perform Pratikraman” (longer version) is here for reference.

This short routine preserves the core Jain intent: recall, remorse, forgiveness, and fresh resolve—all anchored in the Navkār and ahiṃsā-samyak bhāva.