Pratikraman in english

Pratikraman (in English)

• What it is: Pratikraman means “returning from transgressions.” It is a Jain practice of sincere self‑review, confession, repentance, and resolve not to repeat faults done in thought, word, or deed. By doing this, we reduce the bondage of karmas and strengthen right conduct.

• When it is done (traditional types):

- Devasi: evening, for the day’s faults - Rai/Raisi: morning, for the night’s faults - Pakshik: once every fortnight - Chaumasi: once every four months - Samvatsari: once a year; the most important, done during Paryushan (Śvetāmbara). In the Digambara tradition, the annual focus is during Daśa‑lakṣaṇa and Kṣamāvaṇī (Forgiveness Day).

• What it contains (the six essential avashyakas in simple words):

1) Samayik: sit calmly in equanimity 2) Chauvisantho/Logassa: praise of the 24 Tirthankars 3) Vandana: respectful salutation to sādhus and sādhvīs 4) Pratikraman‑Alochana: honest confession of faults 5) Kayotsarga: still meditation, letting go of body‑attachment 6) Pratyakhyan: resolve to avoid faults going forward

Simple step‑by‑step in English (for home practice) 1) Prepare: clean place, simple clean clothes, sit facing east or north. Quiet the mind. 2) Begin with Namokar Mantra, with devotion. 3) Samayik: stay in equanimity for a short time; watch breath; cultivate friendliness, appreciation, compassion, and equanimity toward all beings. 4) Iriyavahiya (reflection on movement): “If I have harmed any living being by moving about, I ask forgiveness.” Cultivate non‑violence in future movements. 5) Alochana (confession): Admit specific faults of mind, speech, and body; acknowledge any lapses of small vows (anuvratas) and disciplines. 6) Pratikraman: “I repent the faults I have done knowingly or unknowingly.” Feel genuine remorse. 7) Khamapana (seeking forgiveness): - Khamemi savva jiva — “I forgive all living beings.” - Savve jiva khamantu me — “May all living beings forgive me.” - Mitti me savva bhuyesu — “I am friendly to all.” - Veram majjha na kenai — “I have enmity with none.” - Micchami Dukkadam — “If I have caused you pain, may it be forgiven.” 8) Kayotsarga: stand or sit absolutely still for a short period, focusing on the pure soul distinct from the body. 9) Pratyakhyan: make a clear resolve: “I will be more alert and will not repeat these faults.” 10) Conclude with auspicious prayers (Mangal Path) for the well‑being of all beings.

Meaning of key lines in English

• Namokar Mantra: Bowing to Arihants, Siddhas, Āchāryas, Upādhyāyas, and all Sādhus; this bowing destroys sins.
• Micchami Dukkadam: A humble, universal apology and offering of forgiveness.

Śvetāmbara and Digambara notes

• Both uphold the same spirit: introspection, repentance, forgiveness, resolve.
• The order of sutras and exact wordings differ slightly. Śvetāmbara texts commonly include Iriyavahiyam, Tassa Uttari, Logassa, Vandittu, etc., in Prakrit; Digambara practice often uses closely related Sanskrit/Prakrit forms with emphasis on Kayotsarga, Alochana, and Pachchakkhan (Pratyakhyan). The essence and goal remain identical.

Helpful references

• What is Pratikraman and why it matters
• When Pratikraman should be done (daily, fortnightly, yearly)
• How to perform Pratikraman (simple guide)
• Digambara Pratikraman vidhi (outline)