In the sutras, sometimes the words mention men or women when talking about wrong thoughts or actions. But nowadays, some people may feel attraction differently. How should such a person sincerely reflect during Pratikraman?
A Jain’s Pratikraman is about removing rāga–dveṣa (attachment–aversion) and weakening the passion of kāma, not about the gender of the person involved. The sutras sometimes say “man” or “woman” as conventional examples; the vow applies to any being. So your reflection should be universal.
How to reflect sincerely during Pratikraman
- In Alochanā (confession): admit any lustful thought, gaze, word, touch, message, viewing, remembering, arranging or act directed toward anyone. Say within: “Whatever lust arose in mind, speech, or body toward any being, knowingly or unknowingly—tassa micchā mi dukkadam.”
- In Pratikraman: recall the atichārs (minor transgressions) of brahmacharya and repent them whether they were toward the same sex, opposite sex, or any person:
- In Pratyākhyān (resolve): take a clear, doable limit that fits your stage of life and vow:
- In Kayotsarga: contemplate the soul as beyond body and gender: “I am pure soul; passions are foreign; I let them drop.”
Essence preserved
- What is to be purified is the passion (kāma), not one’s identity. Jain Dharma asks us to weaken the fire of desire in all directions, with Maitrī–Pramod–Karuṇā–Madhyasthā toward every jīva.
- Both Śvetāmbara and Digambara agree on the substance: brahmacharya means restraint of sexual passion; its atichārs cover any object of desire. Wording may vary by text set, but scope is universal.
Simple lines you can use
- “Kāyena vācā manasā ya me rāga udayo jāto kenaci jīvena, tassa micchā mi dukkadam.”
- “Savve jīvā mittā me; veram majjha na kenai. I drop lust and enmity toward all.”
Helpful basics to review
- Pratikraman steps and purpose
- Icchāmi Thāmi (Pratikraman confession spirit)
- Atichār overview for vows (useful for self‑check)
Keep it very gentle: confess universally, repent sincerely, and resolve specific, small restraints you can surely keep. This preserves the traditional intent while applying it truthfully to your own mind today.