$JES 931 English Pratikramana Color E6

Author(s): Pravin K Shah
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 53

PRATIKRAMAN RITUAL
4.4 Atichar - Minor Violations of Lay people's Vows
Reflecting on Atichär of Lay people's Vows Jainism emphasizes that every Jain should practice the twelve basic vows of lay people based on their ability. However sometimes knowingly or unknowingly one violates these vows.
Such violations are classified as follows:
Atichär - Minor violation
Anächära - Major or gross violation If the violation is of the minor nature, then one should request for the forgiveness of such violations and repent that one would not violate in future.
However if the violation is of major classification then one needs to reinstate the vows again in the presence of a Guru and community.
Now we will reflect on the past Atichär of the twelve basic vows of lay people and meditate in silence on the Jain prayer "Namaskär Sutra" as indicated.
Atichär of Five Main Vows of Limited Nature - Anuvratas
1. Atichär of Ahimsa (Non-violence) Vow
I may have committed violence towards others and toward myself
in thoughts, words, or action. • I may have encouraged or appreciated violence in others. • I may have imposed my thoughts on others.
I may have manipulated someone. I may have spoken harshly. I may have unnecessarily wasted resources of earth, water, fire, air, or vegetation. I may have used dairy and other by-products of an animal that has not been properly cared for. I may not have given shelter to human beings and animals in
need. • I may have been selfish, competitive, insecure, and fearful.
I may have taken harmful substances such as illicit drugs, liquor, and unhealthy foods. I may have exposed my mind to violence by watching movies, reading books, or associating with bad company.
ENGLISH PRATIKRAMAN
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