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Kshamapana
sense organs are also inclined towards the outer world. But the days of Paryushan are the days of looking inwards. In daily life, we offened a number of sentients. We happen to be unjust, disrespectful or offensive to them. We bear animosity or hostility. Considering all this, we should retrace our steps from the wrong path. To ask their forgiveness, to abandon animosity towards them, to love them is the aim of forgiveness (Kshamapana).
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Godliness in Humility
The incantation (Mantra) of forgiveness (Kshamapana) includes both forgiving and asking forgiveness. Before asking forgiveness, one has to climb down from the perch of arrogance. Greatness or smallness does not prevent one from asking forgiveness (michchhami dukkadam). Here all preferences, prejudices, status and dignity cease. The best illustration of asking forgiveness is found in the life of Bhagwan Mahavira's chief disciple, Gautama, who was a treasure-house of knowledge and a model of saintliness. Once Bhagwan Mahavira's chief disciple, Indrabhuti Gautama, was returning bare-footed and bare-headed after begging for a meal. Humility was glowing over the face of Gautama who had conquered the directions and the ends of the four quarters. All arrogance of knowledge had melted. This great disciple of Mahavira believed - "What is true, is mine." He did not believe - "What is mine, is true."
Walking along the main road, Gautama knew that Bhagwan Mahavira's lay-disciple, Ananda, who was on fast unto-death, was lying on a darbha (sacred grass) bed. Gautama, the merciful, called to see Ananda Shravaka, the owner of eighteen crores of gold-sheets and six Vrajas (herds) of ten
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