Page #1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________ Paryushan and Das Lakshana Parva Generally, festivals are celebrations characterized by excitement, enthusiasm, and enjoyment; Jain festivals are characterized by renunciation, austerities, study of the scriptures, and repetition of holy hymns by reciting Sutras and Stavans, meditation, and expressing devotion for the Tirthankars. Paryushan is the most important festival in Jainism. It is observed during the month of August and/or September. The Shvetambar sect observes it for 8 days while the Digambar sect observes it for 10 days where it is known as Das Lakshana Parva. During these eight or ten days, the entire Jain community becomes engrossed in spiritual and religious activities. Literally, Paryushan means "coming together from all directions". This symbolizes growth and transformation. The word "Paryushan" has several meanings: Pari + Ushan = all kinds + to burn = to burn (shed) all types of karmas. Our scriptures have prescribed twelve different types of austerities (tap) such as fasting, to reduce our Kashayas and thereby eliminate our karmas. Another meaning of "Ushan" is to stay closer. We stay closer to our own soul (remember the qualities of our true soul) by doing Swadhyay (self-study), meditation, and austerities during Paryushana. Pari + Upashamana = Upashamana means to suppress, mainly our passions (Kashayas - anger, ego, deceit and greed) from all sources. The purpose of life according to Jain teachings is to realize oneself, as well as to experience wholeness, peace, compassion, and reverence for all life. Therefore, the real purpose of Paryushan is to purify our soul by observing and correcting our own faults, asking for forgiveness for the mistakes we have committed, and taking vows to minimize our faults. During Paryushan we should strive to minimize our worldly affairs so that we can concentrate on the qualities of our true self. Paryushan is a period of repentance and confession for the undesirable acts of the previous year, and to practice austerities that help minimize our passions and vices, which shed accumulated karma. Austerity, the control of one's desire for material pleasures, is a part of spiritual training. During this period, some people fast for the entire period of eight or ten days, while others fast for shorter periods, although the Jain scriptures recommend a minimum three day fast. However, it is considered obligatory to fast on the last day of Paryushan. Fasting usually involves complete abstinence from food or drink, but during the daytime, drinking of water that has been boiled and cooled in the morning is is permissible. If one cannot fast for the whole day, eating only one meal also counts as limited fasting. There are regular ceremonies in the temple and meditation halls during this time. During the first three days of Paryushan the Sadhus and Sadhvis deliver sermons related to the five activities that lay people (Shravaks and Shravikas) are required to do during Paryushan. Five Essential Activities of Paryushan: Amari Leading a non-violent life, working towards Pravartan a non-violent world, and supporting animal welfare activities Sadharmik Respecting fellow human beings and Vatsalya supporting humanitarian activities Attham Tapa Observing fasts for the last three days of Paryushan Chaitya Visiting different Jain temples, Jain Paripati libraries, Upashrays, and supporting other charitable and religious organizations
Page #2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________ 5 kshamapana Repenting our sins, forgiving others and requesting forgiveness from others In the Shvetambar tradition, the Kalpa Sutra, a Jain scripture that includes a detailed account of the life of Bhagawan Mahavir and other Tirthankars' is read to the congregation from the fourth through the last day of Paryushan. On the fifth day the auspicious dreams of Bhagawan Mahavir's mother Trishala are celebrated at a special ceremony. The final day of Paryushan, known as Samvatsari, the day of repentance of our past sins and forgiveness to others, is the most important day of Paryushan. The Digambar tradition calls this festival Das Lakshana Parva and observes it for 10 days. Each day is dedicated to one virtue. 10 Religious Virtues: 1. Kshama Forgiveness Mardava Humility Arjava Straightforwardness Shaucha Contentment - absence of greed Satya Truth Samyam Restraint of all senses Tapa Austerities 8. Tyag Charity 9. Akinchan Non-possessiveness 10. Brahmacharya Chastity or Celibacy Some traditions read the Tattvartha Sutra, an ancient Jain scripture that covers the entire Jain philosophy, is read to the congregation. The scripture has 10 chapters and one chapter is read every day. The last day of Paryushan (Samvatsari) and the first day of the Das Lakshana Parva (Kshama) is the day of forgiveness, and the most important day for all Jains. This is the day when all Jains repent for their past sins, ask for forgiveness from family, friends, enemies, and especially from those with whom they have struggled, for hurting them in any way either knowingly or unknowingly during the past year. It is essential to our spiritual advancement that we do not harbor ill will or hold grudges beyond a year. Hence, the annual occasion for repentance and forgiveness is the most important day in Jain tradition. By meditating and purifying ourselves during these eight days of Paryushan or ten days of Das Lakshana, we come to realize ourselves. We call the Festival of Paryushan, the Festival of the Soul; when we forgive, we become one with the light of our soul. On the last day those who have observed rigorous fasting are honored, especially to encourage others to follow their example. Listening to the Kalpa Sutra, Tattvartha Sutra, or some other scripture, taking positive steps to ensure the welfare of all living beings, developing the feeling of brotherhood towards fellow human beings and forgiveness for all living beings, doing penance, visiting neighboring temples, libraries, and Upashrays are all important activities during this time. After performing Samvatsari Pratikraman or Das lakshana celebration, Jains request forgiveness from all living beings in person, via telephone, or via mail. One example of such a request in writing is shown below:
Page #3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________ On This Auspicious Occasion of KSHAMAVANI We Beg Forgiveness For Our Intentional and Unintentional Wrongdoings Michchha mi Dukkadam Charity at Its Peak Ascetic Mahavir donates a piece of heavenly cloth to poor. The cloth was left on his shoulder by Lord Indra, the king of heavenly gods, after his self initiation. (Shvetambar Tradition) Humility at Its Peak Guru Gautam Swami requests Anand Shravak (a lay person for his forgiveness because he had doubted his Knowledge (Inana) and Truthfulness M Pravin K Shah Jaina Education Committee jainaedu@gmail.com 919-859-4994