Explain what do we do in pratikraman

Pratikraman means “returning to the right path.” We review our day (or period), admit our faults, repent with humility, and take a fresh vow not to repeat them. It reduces karmic bondage and strengthens right conduct.

What we actually do

• Prepare: Clean place, simple clean clothes, sit calmly facing east or north. Set the intention to stay in equanimity (samayik).
• Namokar Mantra: Begin with devotion to the Panch Parameshthi.
• Six essential parts (Avashyaks) covered during Pratikraman:

1) Samayik – sit in equanimity and withdraw from worldly thoughts. 2) Chauvisantho/Logassa – praise of the 24 Tirthankars. 3) Vandana – respectful salutation to sadhus and sadhvis. 4) Alochana–Pratikraman – honest confession of faults in thought, word, and deed; reflection on lapses in the vows (anuvratas), the 5 samitis and 3 guptis. 5) Kayotsarga – still meditation, letting go of body‑attachment. 6) Pratyakhyan – resolve to avoid the same faults going forward (take pachchakkhan).

• Ask and give forgiveness:

- Khamemi savve jiva, savve jiva khamantu me; mitti me savva bhuesu, veram majjham na kenai. - Say “Micchami Dukkadam” with true remorse.

• Conclude with goodwill for all beings and maintain calmness for a while.

When we do it

• Daily: Morning (Raisi) for the night’s faults; Evening (Devasi) for the day’s faults.
• Fortnightly: Pakshik Pratikraman.
• Four‑monthly: Chaumasi.
• Yearly: Most elaborate. Shvetambar observe Samvatsari during Paryushan; Digambar observe Kshamavani during Das‑Lakshana.

Shvetambar and Digambar notes

• Essence is the same—repentance, confession, resolve.
• Differences are mainly in sequence and sutras recited. For example, Shvetambar texts commonly include Iriyavahiyam, Logassa, Khamasamana, etc.; Digambar practice centers around Navkar, Guru‑vandan, Samayik, Kayotsarga, alochana, and pratyakhyan with their own traditional sutra set.
• Both traditions emphasize truthful self‑review and genuine forgiveness.

Simple home flow (short) 1) Sit for samayik and recite Namokar. 2) Praise Tirthankars; do vandana. 3) Reflect and confess specific lapses; feel sincere regret. 4) Kayotsarga (stillness). 5) Take a clear vow to avoid those faults. 6) Say “Micchami Dukkadam” and cultivate friendship, appreciation, compassion, and equanimity.

For easy guides and timings you can refer here:

• What Pratikraman contains and types
• When to do Pratikraman (daily types)
• Step‑by‑step overview (layperson focus)