what is the meaning of different days of 10 days prayushan
In Jain tradition, “10 days Paryushan” usually refers to the Digambar festival called Das-Lakshan Parva. Each of the ten days is devoted to one supreme virtue (uttam dharma). Here is the simple meaning of each day and how it is practiced:
- Day 1 – Uttam Kshamā (Supreme Forgiveness): Let go of anger and grudges; ask and grant forgiveness (kshamapana) with true repentance.
- Day 2 – Uttam Mṛdavā (Supreme Humility): Remove ego and pride; speak and act gently; bow to all living beings.
- Day 3 – Uttam Ārjava (Supreme Straightforwardness): Be honest and transparent in thoughts, words, and deeds; avoid deceit and hypocrisy.
- Day 4 – Uttam Shauch (Supreme Purity/Contentment): Keep inner purity through contentment (santosh) and right thoughts; outer cleanliness supports inner purity.
- Day 5 – Uttam Satya (Supreme Truth): Speak truth that is beneficial and non‑hurtful; avoid lying, gossip, and harsh words.
- Day 6 – Uttam Saṃyam (Supreme Self‑Restraint): Control senses and mind; observe vows that prevent harm to any life.
- Day 7 – Uttam Tap (Supreme Austerity): Practice fasting and other forms of penance with right intention; burn karmas through disciplined effort.
- Day 8 – Uttam Tyāg (Supreme Renunciation): Give up harmful habits and unnecessary possessions; cultivate generosity and simplicity.
- Day 9 – Uttam Ākinchanya (Supreme Non‑Attachment): Reduce possessiveness and “mine‑ness”; stay inwardly free even while using necessities.
- Day 10 – Uttam Brahmacharya (Supreme Celibacy/Chastity): Guard celibacy in body, speech, and mind; channel energy towards spiritual uplift.
Important note on traditions:
- Shwetāmbars generally observe Paryushan for 8 days (Ashtāhnik), focusing on pratikraman, samayik, svādhyāy, fasting, and end with Samvatsari kshamāpanā (seeking forgiveness).
- Digambars observe these ten days as Das‑Lakshan Parva, emphasizing the ten virtues listed above.
Essence: Over these ten days, one purifies conduct and mindset step‑by‑step—moving from forgiving others to complete self‑restraint and purity—so that bondage of karma is reduced and the soul moves toward its true, peaceful nature.