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The 22 Tirthankaras (from Bhagwan Ajitanatha to Bhagwan Parshvanatha) and their Shraman-Shramani were mostly righteous and wise (simple and enlightened). They were always striving to have complete knowledge and complete adherence to the principles laid down in the Sutras. Therefore, their conduct was very simple. The Shraman-Shramani of the last Tirthankara, Bhagwan Mahavira, are mostly crooked and dull. Even though they have detailed knowledge of the Shruta, including Dasha, Kalpa, and Vyavahar, each Gachchha presents a different interpretation of the principles. The observance of great religious festivals like Paryushana Parva and Samvatsari Parva, Pakkhi, and Chaumasi Alochana are also performed on different days. Due to their crookedness and dullness, they do not readily criticize the transgressions that occur in the Mulaguna and Uttargana. Therefore, their conduct is very difficult to purify.
Palochana and Alochak: Alochana is the act of revealing transgressions (which occur due to ignorance, ego, carelessness, or circumstances) to the Guru. An Alochak is one who reveals the transgressions that have occurred due to the aforementioned reasons to the Guru. If the Alochak is deceitful and performs Palochana deceitfully, then he will not receive good results from the Alochana. If the Alochak is not deceitful and performs Alochana without deceit, then he will receive good results from the Alochana.
It is essential to criticize transgressions for the purification of conduct and the purification of the self (Atma). However, there are different categories of seekers. One category does not criticize transgressions at all. They say, "We have committed transgressions (Akruti), we are committing them, and we will continue to commit them. Because the country, time, and physical-mental conditions are such that our disciplined life cannot be free from transgressions. It is not possible for us, so what is the benefit of Alochana? It is like the process of bathing an elephant. Transgressions occur, we criticize them, and then transgressions occur again. This cycle continues." Their thinking is unwise because if we wear clothes, we wear them, and we will continue to wear them, then the clothes we wear are soiled, they are soiled, and they will continue to be soiled. Then what is the benefit of purifying the clothes? How can this be considered appropriate? As long as we wear clothes, it is our duty to keep them clean. Because there are many benefits to purifying clothes - clothes that are purified daily do not become soiled, and clean clothes also contribute to good health.
Similarly, as long as the activities of the Yogas are present and the Kshayas are intense or mild, the accumulation of Karmic dirt due to transgressions is certain.
1. Gatha - Purimanam Dubbisoho U, Charimanam Durano Palo. Kappo Majjhimagnam Tu, Suvishoho Supalo / Utt. A. 23, Gatha 27 / [32]