Pratikraman (also spelled pratikaman) is a Jain ritual of sincere repentance and self-purification. It is a quiet, structured act of looking inward, confessing faults done knowingly or unknowingly, seeking forgiveness from all beings, and resolving not to repeat those faults.

Key points:

• Purpose: to cleanse karma by acknowledging mistakes and taking a firm vow to avoid them in the future.
• What happens: one reviews the day or a specific period, confesses the faults (dosh), asks forgiveness (khamavani or Michchhami Dukkadam in some traditions), and makes resolutions for better conduct.
• Recipients of apology: all living beings—humans, animals, plants, and even the natural world—acknowledging the harm caused.
• When it’s done: commonly during Paryushan and Dashalakshana, but also as a daily evening practice in many Jain households or monasteries.
• Traditions: there are minor differences between Digambar and Shwetambar practices in wording and sequence, but the core idea remains the same: repentance, forgiveness, and vow for better conduct.

If you’d like, I can share a simple, traditional outline or a short text used in pratikraman in either Digambar or Shwetambar practice.