“Shravak ki Alochana” means the humble confession (ālochana) a lay Jain (śrāvaka/śrāvikā) makes during Pratikraman. Its purpose is to honestly admit faults done in thought, word, or deed; feel true remorse; ask forgiveness; and resolve not to repeat them. This softens and sheds karmas and strengthens right conduct.

When it is done

• Daily in Pratikraman: morning (Raisi) and evening (Devasi).
• Periodically: Pakshik (fortnightly), Chaumasi (four‑monthly), and annually (Samvatsari/Daśalakshan‑Kshamāvaṇī).

How a shravak does Ālochana (simple, traditional way) 1) Inner readiness: Sit calmly (samayik), recall the day/night, and honestly see one’s lapses against the vows (ahimsā, satya, acaurya/asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha; and their atichārs). 2) Confession (Ālochana): Admit specific faults without excuses, with humility. 3) Kṣamāpanā (asking forgiveness): From all living beings; also forgive all. 4) Pratyākhyān (resolve): Take a clear, doable resolve to avoid those faults. 5) Kayotsarga: A short stillness to let go of body‑attachment and steady the mind.

Common sutras used in Ālochana (examples)

• Namokār Mantra (for refuge and purity).
• Khamemi Savve Jīvā:

“Khamemi savve jivā, savve jivā khamantu me; mitti me savva‑bhūesu, veram majjha na kenai.” Meaning: I forgive all beings; may all forgive me. I am friendly to all; I bear enmity toward none.

• Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṁ:

Meaning: For any harm caused by me, knowingly or unknowingly, may it be forgiven.

Tradition notes

• Śvetāmbara: Ālochana is done within the Pratikraman liturgy, with specific sutras for recalling transgressions (including patras and atichārs) before pratyākhyān.
• Digambara: Ālochana (confession) is likewise integral to Pratikraman; wording and order of recitations differ, but the spirit—confession, forgiveness, resolve, and kayotsarga—remains the same.

Essence to remember

• Be specific, truthful, and humble.
• Feel genuine remorse.
• Resolve small, practical improvements for the next period.
• Cultivate maitri (friendliness), pramod (appreciation), karuṇā (compassion), and madhyasthata (equanimity).

Helpful guides for Pratikraman and Ālochana

• Pratikraman overview and steps
• Simple Pratikraman (English) with Alochana focus
• How to perform Pratikraman (practical outline)