English Pratikraman Introduction and Ritual together for English Speaking Jains

Author(s): Mayur and Rita Lodaya (Speaker)
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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PRATIKRAMAN RITUAL
6.0 6th Essential: Religious Vows - Pratyäkhyäna At this time, we need to take one or more specific vows; such as to participate in virtuous activities and to control our desires. This is known as Pratyäkhyäna or Pachchakhäna. The duration of vows can be one hour, one evening, one day, one year or longer. Following are examples of vows that someone can take:
6.1 Personal Improvement Vows
Doing penance such as eating only one meal a day, eating no meals for a day, drinking boiled water only, or not eating at night.
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6.2 Spiritual Vows
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Doing Sämäyika daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Doing Pratikraman daily, weekly, or monthly.
Going to Päthashälä regularly.
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Doing charity, social, or religious work for a set amount of time each week or each month.
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Not disrespecting or getting angry with parents, children, relatives, and friends.
Not talking in class or during prayer.
6.3 Day-to-Day Vows
• Not eating sweets or junk food
Not drinking soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages
Not watching TV, sports and other shows
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One should not speak unless asked to do so. One should not disturb others in conversation. One should not back-bite and indulge in fraudulent untruth.
Mahavira (Dasavaikalika, 8/46)
ENGLISH PRATIKRAMAN