What to say when a jain friend says khamat khamana

Khamat khamana is a Jain practice of asking and granting forgiveness. If a Jain friend says “khamat khamana,” they are asking for your forgiveness or offering forgiveness as a part of mutual respect and non-harm.

How to respond (simple, respectful options):

• You can say: “Khamemi savva jiva,” which means “I forgive all living beings.”
• Or respond with: “Khamavāṁ savva jiva,” another common form meaning “Let there be forgiveness for all beings.”
• If you’ve caused harm (knowingly or unknowingly), you can say: “Kshamāpanā me savva jiva pāla,” roughly “Please forgive me, all beings.”

If you want to reciprocate the spirit in everyday chats:

• Acknowledge gently: “No harm done; let’s move forward with goodwill.”
• Express resolve to avoid harm: “I’ll be more mindful and compassionate.”

Key idea to keep in mind:

• It’s about humility, remorse for any hurt caused, and a wish for harmony, not about winning an argument or scoring forgiveness.