Paryushan is followed to purify our mind, speech, and actions and to move towards liberation (moksha). In simple words, it is an annual time to pause, reflect, ask forgiveness, and strengthen our Jain way of living.

Key reasons to follow Paryushan

• Purification of karma: Through pratikraman, tapas (fasting), and samayik, we reduce passions (kashayas) and shed karmic bondage.
• Forgiveness and humility: We sincerely seek and grant forgiveness (Kshamapana/Michhami Dukkadam), removing anger, ego, deceit, and greed from relationships.
• Strengthening vows: We practice ahimsa, satya, achourya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha more carefully, correcting any atichar (lapses).
• Inner discipline: Fasting, limited diet, and carefulness in movement, speech, and food make the mind steady and compassionate towards all living beings.
• Scriptural study: Daily swadhyaya and listening to discourses nurture right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct (samyak darshan–jnan–charitra).
• Equanimity (samata): Regular samayik and meditation bring peace, reducing attachment and aversion.
• Community harmony: Coming together for pratikraman and forgiveness heals families and the sangh.

Tradition-wise

• Shwetambar: Paryushan is observed for 8 days and concludes with Samvatsari Pratikraman and universal forgiveness (Michhami Dukkadam).
• Digambar: The 10 days are observed as Das Lakshan, focusing on the ten supreme virtues—Kshama, Mardav, Arjav, Shauch, Satya, Sanyam, Tap, Tyag, Akinchanya, and Brahmacharya.

What to focus on during Paryushan

• Daily pratikraman, samayik, prabhu-bhakti, and swadhyaya.
• Tapas according to capacity: from alpa-bhojan up to attham/atthai, always with care and health in mind.
• Careful diet and conduct to minimize himsa; speak softly, avoid harsh words, and practice goodwill for all beings.
• End with true Kshamapana: “Michhami Dukkadam”—I ask forgiveness from all living beings, and I forgive all.

Essence Paryushan is not just a festival; it is a purification journey that transforms our habits, cleanses karmas, deepens compassion, and sets us firmly on the path of moksha.