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Exposition of Pratikramana Stotras
That which purifies the mind. (Präyas means that which is in general, chitta means purifies the mind).
The other involuntary movements, which are major exceptions, are: a. When one has to move from one's place and posture due to natural calamities like fire, lightening, earth quakes and others, b. to save a living creature e.g., mouse from claws of a cat, c. because of unexpected attack by robbers or molestation by wild animals like snake bites and others, or d. forced to move by order of higher authority. Thus, there are 12 minor exceptions and 4 major interruptions of Käyotsarga.
Käyotsarga: The word ‘Käyotsarga' is the Sanskrit translation of the Prakrit word ‘Käussagga'. It means the undisturbed abandonment of the body. It is defined as standing in silent in meditation motionless except the involuntary movements of the body such as breathing, for a fixed duration until the Namokara mantra is recited by loudly saying “Namo Arihantänam.” Käyotsarga may be performed either with Pratikramana or for the sake of mastery over oneself, i.e. victory over calamities. The duration of Käyotsarga is specified in terms of respiratory cycles. One respiratory cycle equals one deep breath in and one deep breath out. Concentrating on breathing cycles helps achieve deep concentration necessary for meditation. The most common duration of Käyotsarga is 25 respiratory cycles. Käyotsarga should be done without committing any of the following 19 errors: Standing either on one leg or keeping the leg in a crooked position (ghotakadosha), taking support of a pole or wall while sitting (stambahädosha), touching the ceiling with head (mäladosha), keeping feet apart (nigaddosha), sitting with toes or heels touching each other (uddhidosha), keeping hands on the private parts (shabaridosha), holding the whisk in a wrong position (khalinadosha), keeping head bowed down (vadhudosha), covering the navel area and area below the knees with a cloth (lambottaradosha) , covering the chest (for man only)
