________________
Kshamapana
खामेमि सब्वे जीवा, सब्वे जीवा खमंतु मे । मित्ती मे सव्वभूएस वरं मझ न केणई ।।
[I ask all sentients to forgive me my misdoings. May all sentients forgive me my offences. I love all sentients. I bear animosity towards none.)
Taryushana, the greatest Jain religious festival, gives us this message : We should speak words of forbearance and direct a loving glance towards all.
After seven days of penance, rises the Samvatsari day, the day of accomplishment.
The seven days of austerities and the purification of the soul culminate in asking for forgiveness.
After practising penance, charity, introspection and pratikramana for seven days, the hearts of the devotees become clear like the skies : cloudless and clean, as if touched with rainbow colours after heavy rains. The rainbow lines of lust, anger, pride and conceit now do not spread their charms to
74
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
