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Spiritual Meanings Behind the Items Used in Sämäyika & Pratikraman
SIX ESSENTIALS (AVASHYAKA)
Charavalo: is used to gently clean the floor (to make the space free of subtle living beings) before setting Katäsanu on the floor. Charavalo is also used to sweep the floor before stepping on it, and for necessary movements during the Sämäyika or Pratikraman. Its spiritual meaning is to remind us that we need to clean our soul of all karma particles. It reminds us of non-violence. Its wooden handle is 24 fingers long. Its white-wool strings are 8 fingers long, to remind us that we are entrapped in the worldly existence (journey of misery) because of the eight main karma. Charavalo and Muhapatti, both constantly remind the aspirant that he/she is in Sämäyika and exercise equanimity during the Sāmāyika.
Katäsanu: It is also known as Äsan. Katäsanu means the piece of mat on which one sits. It should be of white wool. It insulates the body from losing the energy that is generated due to the practice of Sämäyika. It protects subtle mobile living beings underneath. The white color promotes peace and enhances the spiritual environment.
Muhapatti: It is a small piece of white cloth folded in a particular way, used in front of the
mouth about 2 to 3 inches away while reciting Sämäyika Sutras. Because of Muhapatti, one becomes careful about what he/she speaks, and stops him/her from saying lies and making provocative and nonbeneficiary speech to others. One controls his/her speech and speaks only when it is necessary. Uncontrollable spits are stopped by the Muhapatti from falling on the holy things such as books. It prevents insentient and warm breath that is coming out of the mouth from mixing
with sentient and cold air of the outside thus is an act of non-violence. By use of Muhapatti, one becomes humble and courteous. The Muhapatti is about 10 to 12-inch square piece of white cloth, folded in half, then folded about one inch from the closed side, and then it is folded laterally. This way it has three open sides and one closed side, and it symbolizes that living beings attain Moksha through only one destiny - human beings, and not from the other three destinies. In some Jain traditions they tie the Muhapatti around their mouth
Sthäpanächärya: When a Guru is not present, a preceptor's seat is installed by putting a religious book that contains Navakär Mahä-mantra and Panchindiya sutra on a Säpadä (book stand) and / or with Navakärväli on it. The aspirant sits facing East or North or any direction in front of the preceptor's seat. This enables the aspirant to maintain discipline and to develop the quality of humility. One does not gain spiritually without proper guidance from the right guru.
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