Day 1 of Das Lakshan Parva (Paryushan for Digambar Jains)

• What is Day 1 about

- Day 1 is Uttam Kshama Dharmangaya Namaha, i.e. supreme forgiveness. The focus is to forgive all living beings and let go of anger, so the mind becomes peaceful and ready for spiritual progress. This is the first step in the ten-day sequence of virtues. The list of ten virtues (Das Lakshana) and the Day 1 theme are widely observed in Digambar practice and are also discussed in related Jain teachings. For Day 1, the recommended inner aim is to cultivate forbearance toward others and to seek forgiveness for any hurt you may have caused. ( jainpedia.org, jainknowledge.com)

• The ten virtues (for quick reference)

- Uttam Kshama – Supreme Forgiveness - Uttam Mardava – Supreme Humility - Uttam Arjava – Supreme Straightforwardness - Uttam Shaucha – Supreme Purity/Contentment - Uttam Satya – Supreme Truth - Uttam Sanyam – Supreme Self-restraint - Uttam Tap – Supreme Austerity - Uttam Tyag – Supreme Renunciation - Uttam Akinchanya – Supreme Non-possessiveness - Uttam Brahmacharya – Supreme Celibacy These ten virtues form the structure of the festival, with Day 1 starting the sequence. ( jainpedia.org, jainqq.org)

• How it’s practiced (simple guidance)

- Reflect on forgiveness: consciously practice forgiving others and seek forgiveness for your own mistakes. - Prayers and discourses: temples or community gatherings may include recitations, talks, and prayers focused on kshama (forgiveness) and the first Lakshana. - Personal discipline: observe a gentle, patient, non-violent approach in daily actions and speech during the day. - Repetition of the day’s verse: some communities recite the line for Day 1 (Om Hrim Uttama Kshama Dharmangaya Namaha) as part of the daily routine.

Notes on traditions

• Digambar vs Swetambar: Both traditions honor the Das Lakshana/ten virtues, though the festival is often described with slightly different names in each tradition (e.g., Paryushan for Swetambar Jains and Das Lakshan Parva for Digambar Jains). The Day 1 focus on forgiveness remains central in both. ( jainheritagecentres.com, jainpedia.org)

• When it happens in a given year

- The festival lasts ten days, typically around the Bhadrapada month in the Jain calendar, with exact dates depending on local lunar calculations and temple calendars. Local temples or Jain centers will publish the precise start date for that year. For 2025 examples and planning, communities often share dates in August–September, but always check your local temple for the exact schedule. ( parasnathjainsociety.org, jainknowledge.com)

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If you’d like, I can summarize Day 1 in your own language or give you a simple daily checklist for Day 1 action.