Unknown Pilgrims

SR No.: 007014
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N Shanta
Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications Delhi
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 820
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

Page 743

Cosmic and Purificatory Rite
8. End of the rite
i) The pranipata-sūtra (repeated thrice).
ii) The laghu-guruvandana-sūtra.
iii) Kṣamāpanā: each sadhvi in turn approaches the guruni and then the elders in order of seniority, in order to salute them and ask for pardon.78 This request for pardon is mutual: to each one requesting pardon, the guruni and sadhvis respond: "I also request pardon."
715
When the rite is concluded,79 some sadhvis pursue their svädhyāya by recalling to mind what they have read or meditated upon during the day (generally they do not light a lamp), while others practise japa or dhyāna.
78 The brief formulation makes mention of: avinaya, abhakti, āśātană viz. lack of modesty (or discipline), lack of deference and filial devotion, lack of respect. It does not belong to the AvaS.
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In addition to the major sūtras and numerous secondary sūtras concerned with repentance, the Mūrtipūjaka sadhvis recite some sutras of praise: to the pilgrimage-places, to images of the jinas, to the temples of the three worlds; to the sadhus; to Pārsvanatha; to the vitarāgas; a four-part hymn of praise is addressed: i) to the five tirthankaras: Adinatha, Śantinätha, Neminatha, Pārsvanatha and Mahavira; ii) to all the tirtharikaras; iii) to śruta-jñāna; iv) to Sarasvati. Another hymn of praise is addressed, first, to Mahavira and then to all the jinas, to the Agamas and to śruta-devi. Yet another is addressed to śruta-jñāna another to the siddhas, another to śruta-devată; cf. Pañcapratikramaṇa-sūtra, sūtras and stutis 12; 14; 15; 17; 18; 20; 21; 22; 23; 37. During the guruvandana, when pronouncing the syllables "a-ho-kāyam...", the sadhvis touch their rajoharaņas and place them to their foreheads (ibid., p. 247, ns. 2; 3). On pronouncing the syllables: "ja-tta-bhe..." they touch the sthāpanācārya with both hands and then put them to their foreheads (ibid., pp. 115-116).