Ahimsa the Ultimate Winner

Author(s): N P Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 69

unpleasant or abusive expressions. Such behaviour not only hurts others and produces anger, revenge or hate reactions, but pollutes the life ethics of the doer. A vicious circle starts enlarging misunderstandings, and bitterness in the social environment. If only one could learn to muster the will power and soul awareness to be forgiving, a circle of love could be created radiating harmony and equanimity.
Much has been written and spoken about the virtue of Forgiveness. However it is clear that it is a virtue most required, but difficult to acquire. Jain religion has endeavoured to provide a road map to learn to be forgiving and be forgiven. In the annual calendar of Jain religious events, Paryushan Parva, coming in the months of August-September, occupies a prominent place. It is an eight-day festival as per Swetambar tradition followed by a ten-day festival as per Digambar tradition. Both reach a climax with a day dedicated to Kshama (Forgiveness) under the nomenclature of Swetambar Samvatsari and Digambar Kshamavani.
This day has been observed by Jains for well over 25 centuries as the DAY OF UNIVERSAL FORGIVENESS. People meet to seek mutual forgiveness for any hurt caused during the preceding one year. Invariably the words from Prakrit language "Michchami Dukkadam" (May all transgressions be forgiven) are uttered. Another phrase used is "Uttam Kshama Bhaava" meaning the highest level of the feeling of forgiveness.
The ambience for the Day of Universal Forgiveness is created in the preceding 8 or 10 days of intense devotional activity involving worship of Tirthankars (prophets), reading of holy scriptures, listening to the sermons of learned Saints and Nuns, chanting of bhajans (devotional songs), and observance of fasts, abstinence and penance. The objective is to devote maximum time, energy and emotion to selfintrospection and to the recharging of soul energy. It is intended to be a kind of a wake up call for an individual's soul for one's own emancipation as well as for the good of the society.
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner
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