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JAIN FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS day at a special ceremony, the replicas of auspicious dreams of Mahävir's mother, queen Trishalä, are exhibited to the people, which are then honored by them. Listening to the Kalpa Sutra, among others are the most important activities that should be performed by Jain during Paryushan. Scripture define that Shrävaks and Shrävikäs should perform following five essential activities during Paryushan.
1. Amäri Pravartan (Spread the message of non-violence) 2. Attham Tap (Fast for three consecutive days) 3. Chaitya Paripati (Go for a visit and prayers to different Derasars in town in group)
Swami Vätsalya (Honor and respect fellow Jains) 5. Kshamäpanä (Extend and ask for forgiveness by performing Pratikraman)
4.
Samvatsari or Day of Forgiveness The final day of Paryushan, called Samvatsari, is the most important of all. This is the day when Jains perform Samvatsari Pratikraman and ask for forgiveness to family, friends and foes alike for any wrongful acts they might have committed towards them during the year. Therefore this annual opportunity of repentance and forgiveness is very important. Many perform different penances and austerities during the days of Paryushan day these individuals eight are specially honored.
To ask for forgiveness is probably the most difficult thing to do. Therefore, our great Acharyas have said: "Kshamä Virasya Bhushanam, kshamäväni Michchhami Dukkadam" To ask for forgiveness is a great quality of the brave ones and if I have committed any mistake, knowingly or unknowingly, I ask for your forgiveness.
There are several great aphorisms (Sutras) to ask for forgiveness with the unity of the body, speech and mind, and one of them is as follows:
Khamemi Savva Jiva, Savve Jiv Khamantu Me Mitti Me Savva Bhuesu, Veram Majjham na Kenai.
Meaning: I forgive all the living beings of the universe, May all the living beings forgive me for my faults. I do not have any animosity towards anybody, and I have friendship for all living beings.
The process of shedding our Karmas really begins by asking for forgiveness with true feelings, and by taking vows not to repeat mistakes. The request for forgiveness requires humility (Vinay - absence of ego) and elimination of hatred.
Dash Lakshana Mahä Parva Digambars celebrate the festival known as DASH LAKSHANA MAHÄ PARVA (Festival of Ten cardinal virtues) for ten days starting a day after the last day of Shvetämbar Paryushan.“
What are these cardinal virtues which Digambars Jains celebrate during this festival?
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE I
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