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AHIMSA TIMES - AUGUST 2008 ISSUE - www.jainsamaj.org
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victorious these Jinas, who overcome inner enemies like anger, ego, greed, deceit, etc., were and such activity also and encourages us to be like them. It is also called Chaturvinshatistava.
3) Vandana: During vandana, we bow down to monks and nuns and express our reverence to them. They are our current religious guides, and preceptors. While bowing down, we become humble, and thus, help ourselves to overcome ego and anger. It also inspires us to become like them. (If there is no monk or nun then we bow down in the North-East direction to Arihantas who are currently living far away from here.)
4) Pratikraman: Pratikraman is the combination of two words, Pra meaning return and atikraman meaning violation. Literally, it means returning from violations. As Jain householders, we are supposed to observe twelve minor vows. During Pratikraman we review our activities for any violations that may have occurred among these vows. In this way, we ask for forgiveness for our actions, purify our souls, and improve our future activities. If we have not taken these vows then we should wish that there will come a day when we can take those vows. Pratikraman is usually done twice a day; once in the morning, Raisi (morning) Pratikraman and once in the late evening Devasi (evening) Pratikraman. Those who are unable to perform daily pratikraman should do a Pakshik (fortnightly) Pratikraman. There are some who somehow can not find even that much time, they should do a Choumasi (quarterly) Pratikraman, every four months. However, if someone can not even do that, then they should do Samvatsari (yearly) Pratikraman, considered a must for every Jain. By repenting during the pratikraman, you lessen the bondage of karma to your soul and avoid committing the same sins in the future. If we do not repent for our deeds at least once a year, then the bondage of karmas to the soul becomes severe and even harder to shed off. In all truth, one should perform pratikraman as soon as one realizes he or she has committed a sin.
5) Kayotsagga : The word kayotsargga is made up of two words Kaya meaning body and utsarga meaning to give up. Kayotsagga means to give up oneicis physical comfort and body movements, thus staying steady, either in a standing or other posture, and concentrating upon the true nature of the soul as being separate from the body. This is a form of meditation and by practicing pure kayotsargga we slowly gain control over our mental, verbal, and physical activities.
6) Pratyakhyan: This is a formal renunciation of certain activities, which reduces to stops the inflow of karmas. This activity helps us to learn to control our desires and prepares us for a much bigger renunciation.
TEMPLES
MAHAVIRA STATUE FOUND AT CHENNAI VILLAGE Aug 08, 2008 An exquisitely carved statue of Mahavira, the Jaina pantheon, has been discovered at Panaipadi village in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district. R. Sivanandam, epigraphist. Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology made the discovery when a team under the guidance of R. Vasanthakalyani, epigraphist-cum-instructor of the Department, was on a regular survey camp of epigraphy to study inscriptions around
http://jainsamaj.org/magazines/august-2008.htm
8/11/2009
| SR No. | 523598 |
| Book Title | Ahimsa Times 2008 08 SrNo 98 |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Ahimsa Times |
| Publisher | Ahimsa Times |
| Publication Year | 2008 |
| Total Pages | 18 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Magazine, India_Ahimsa Times, & India |
| File Size | 271 KB |