$JES 203 First Step of Jainism Level 2 Book

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 64

JAIN FESTIVALS
4.2 Paryushan/Dash Lakshana
Dukkadam', and ask for forgiveness for our faults. At the same time truly forgive others who have hurt us in any way.
During the months of August September, Paryushan/Dash Lakshana is an important festival of Forgiveness and atonement for Jains. Paryushan means staying close to your soul Shvetämbar Jains celebrate Paryushan for eight days and read the Kalpa Sutra, a Jain scripture written by Ächärya Bhadrabähu in 350 BC. The Kalpa Sutra describes the life of twenty-four Tirthankars, the conduct of lay people, and life of Achäryas. The last day of Paryushan is Samvatsari. After 7 days of penance and preparation of the soul, Shvetämbars do Pratikraman and ask for and give forgiveness to all - family, friends and all living beings. Digambar Jains, on the other hand, start with forgiveness on the first day and then celebrate an additional 9 days of Dash Lakshana Mahä Parva. They discuss 10 virtues that are inherent qualities of the soul. These virtues are applicable to all. The ten virtues discussed are Forgiveness, humility, straight-forwardness,contentment, truthfulness, self-control, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment and celibacy. In addition, they also read one chapter of the Tattvärtha Sutra, which covers all aspects of Jain religion. As people we ignore our own faults and magnify the faults of others. We know when we make a mistake but our pride makes it difficult to admit them. Paryushan teaches to have humility to say “Michchhämi
Why do we need to forgive others? Not because they need our forgiveness. It is because we need to release ourselves from the rage, hostility and resentment we carry within us when we don't forgive. Forgiveness not only makes us whole once again, it energizes us and makes our world more beautiful that ever. Forgiveness keeps human relationships - friendships - smooth and comfortable. Many situations may cause unhappy feelings towards others, such as: 1. Disagreements - When other people do
not agree with our way of thinking, WE
do not like them. 2. Misunderstanding - When we do not
understand somebody's intention, WE
get angry with him or her. 3. Wrong Expectations - When we want
more than the other person can give,
WE get disappointed. 4. Hurt feelings knowingly or
unknowingly - All of us have an ego and when someone humiliates or
insults us, WE get upset. 5. Jealousy - Jealousy creates hate and
WE lose our thinking ability.
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