$JES 941 Pratikraman Sutra Book in English

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

Page 14

PRATIKRAMAN - OBSERVANCE OF SELF-REFLECTION
2. If we visit ascetics in their Upäshray (temporary residence of monks and nuns), then we should inquire about their well-being and request forgiveness for any impoliteness towards them.
3. Pratikraman ritual should be done in the presence of an ascetic. During the Pratikraman ritual, one recites Suguru Vandanä sutra, which is a complete Vandanä of an ascetic.
4. - Pratikraman – Repentance and Confession of Sins
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"Prati" means "back" and "kraman" means "to go". It means to go back, to reflect and review, to confess and atone, asking for forgiveness from others for one's own faults of mind, body, and speech in one's daily activities, and forgiving faults of others and extending friendship to all.
Therefore, Pratikraman involves repentance and sincere confession for past sinful deeds and thoughts as well as the forgiveness of others' faults. This process of self-discipline provides protection from present sinful acts, and prevents future sinful acts through renunciation.
Types of Pratikraman
Jain monks and nuns must perform this ritual in accordance with tradition. Devoted Jain lay people staunchly observe this ritual while others practice it as often as possible.
It is recommended that Pratikraman be done twice a day, once in the morning known as Räi Pratikraman and once in the evening known as Devasi Pratikraman. The morning Pratikraman is for the atonement of minor violations of vows incurred during the night and the evening Pratikraman is for the minor violation of vows of the day.
There is a special Pratikraman for every fortnight (Pakkhi), every four months (Chaumäsi), and yearly (Samvatsari) Pratikraman if not possible to perform the daily Pratikramans.
The annual Pratikraman that all Jains should strive to observe is called Samvatsari Pratikraman. The Samvatsari Pratikraman is performed on the last day of Paryushan and is followed by forgiveness, i.e. asking forgiveness for our wrongdoings to all living beings and forgiving others for their faults.
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PRATIKRAMAN SUTRA BOOK