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RITUALS
D06 - Paryushan and Das Lakshana Parva
engrossed in his true nature of the soul then he automatically gives up the objects of the five senses. He is still having five senses and mind but he has separated himself from the objects of these five senses.
From the empirical point of view: control of five senses is known as celibacy.
03 Forgiveness Day
The last day of Paryushan (Samvatsari) and the first day of the Das Lakshana Parva (Kshamä) are the day of forgiveness, and the most important day for all Jains.
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 Dukkadam', and ask for forgiveness for our faults. At the same time, truly forgive others who have hurt us in any way.
Why do we need to forgive others? It is 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 than ever. Forgiveness keeps human relationships and friendships, smooth and comfortable. Many situations may cause unhappy feelings towards others, such as:
Disagreements
Misunderstanding
When other people do not agree with our way of thinking, WE do not like them.
When we do not understand somebody's intention, WE get angry with him or her.
When we want more than the other person can give, WE get disappointed.
Wrong Expectations
Hurt feelings knowingly or unknowingly All of us have an ego and when someone humiliates or
insults us, WE get upset.
Jealousy
Jealousy creates hate and WE lose our thinking ability.
If for whatever reason we cannot forget and forgive, both sides lose out. However, our ego prevents us from seeing and doing something about it.
"When we forgive we become one with the light of our soul. Without forgiveness, we are like a lamp whose inner flame cannot penetrate the fine particles of soot that smear the outer chimney. When we wash away the subtle grains of anger, resentment and hatred with forgiveness; then the radiant soul within shines forth its rays of joy." - Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanu
By meditating and purifying ourselves during these eight days of Paryushan or ten days of Das Lakshana, we come to realize ourselves. We call the Festival of Paryushan, the Festival of the Soul; when we forgive, we become one with the light of our soul.
On the last day those who have observed rigorous fasting are honored, especially to encourage others to follow their example.
Listening to the Kalpa Sutra, Tattvärtha Sutra, or some other scripture, taking positive steps to ensure the welfare of all living beings, developing the feeling of brotherhood towards fellow human beings and forgiveness for all living beings, doing penance, visiting neighboring temples, libraries, and Upäshrays are all important activities during this time.
After performing Samvatsari Pratikraman or Das lakshana celebration, Jains request forgiveness from all living beings in person, via telephone, or via mail.
On This Auspicious Occasion of KSHAMAVANI
We Beg Forgiveness, For Our Intentional and Unintentional, Wrongdoings
Michchhä mi Dukkadam
Compendium of Jainism - 2015
Page 243 of 398
