Can a woman on her period recite from a pratikraman book if she doesn’t know the pratikraman off by heart?
Short answer: Yes—do pratikraman in bhāv (mentally), but do not handle the pratikraman book during menstruation.
Details (kept simple and within Jain maryādā):
- What to avoid during the menstrual days (both traditions generally agree):
- Entering the temple or doing idol-pūjā/abhiṣek.
- Touching sacred texts or pūjā-vidhi/pratikraman books.
- Do bhāv‑pratikraman: sit quietly, recall the day’s faults, cultivate kṣamā (forgiveness), and reaffirm small vows (pratyākhyān) mentally.
- Recite Navkār Mantra softly or in the mind anytime.
- If you don’t have it by heart, you may listen to a live/recorded pratikraman and follow mentally, without holding the book or mālā.
- After the period ends (after bath and resuming śuddhi):
- Do a complete pratikraman (or at least sāvajjā/ālochana-kṣamāpanā) to make up for the days you observed only mentally.
Notes by tradition (maryādā varies by sampradāy; follow your guru/saṃgha’s guidance):
- Śvetāmbara (Mūrtipūjak, Sthānakvāsī, Terāpanth):
- Common practice: avoid touching scriptures and formal ritual acts; bhāv‑pratikraman, anuprekṣā, and Navkār japa mentally are acceptable.
- Generally stricter about ritual contact; recommended to refrain from formal rites and scripture‑handling; remember Arihanta-Siddha and do śubha‑bhāvanā/Navkār mentally; perform full pratikraman after the period.
Essence: Menstruation is a natural bodily state. Jain Dharma emphasizes inner purity. Maintain ahiṃsā, guard the mind, and keep the spirit of pratikraman through sincere remorse, forgiveness, and renewed resolve, while observing traditional respect for maryādā regarding books and rituals.