Pratikraman means “returning” or “going back” to the right path. In Jain Dharma it is a sacred practice of:

• honest self‑review of the day’s thoughts, words, and deeds,
• confession and repentance for any faults (ālochana–kṣamāpanā),
• making a firm resolve (pratyākhyān) not to repeat them,

so that karmic bondage is reduced and right conduct is strengthened.

Key points (kept very simple)

• Why we do it: to purify the soul, lessen passions, and live ahimsā, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha more carefully.
• What it includes: the six avashyaka (essentials) in brief—Samayik (equanimity), Chaturvimshati‑stava/Chauvisantho (praise of 24 Tirthankars), Vandana (reverence to sādhus/sādhvīs), Pratikraman‑Ālochana (confession/repentance), Kayotsarga (still meditation), Pratyākhyān (resolve).
• When it is done:

- Daily: morning and evening. - Fortnightly (Pakshik), quarterly (Chaumasi), and annually (Samvatsari for Śvetāmbara; Kṣamāvaṇī during Daśalakṣaṇa for Digambara).

Tradition notes

• Śvetāmbara and Digambara both practice Pratikraman with the same spiritual aim—repentance and renewal—though the order of sutras and some procedures differ. Annual focus is Samvatsari Pratikraman (Śvetāmbara) and Kṣamāvaṇī/Daśalakṣaṇa observances (Digambara).

For a short, clear write‑up and steps, see: and a simple overview of Pratikraman and the six avashyaka: