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In Search of the Ultimate
(6) PRATIKRAMAN SUTRA
INTRODUCTION
Jain religion advocates that the ritual of Pratikraman be performed on an occasional basis. The annual and longest Pratikraman (the three hour long ritual) is performed or observed on the last day of the religious festival Paryushan.
Pratikraman is one of the six essentials advocated by Jainism. These six essentials are
Samayika Chaturvinshtistava Vandana Pratikraman Kayotsarga Pratyakhyan
The meaning of these essentials are given in the glossary. Here, however, we will examine Pratikraman in detail.
Pratikraman means a review, confession and repentance of bad thoughts and deeds. Pratikraman means returning to the path of non-violence and truth. It is not only a religious ritual, but is aimed at extending friendship, forgiving the faults of others and asking for forgiveness with an open heart.
This book consists of Pratikraman - Sutra (The text of observing Pratikraman). The original text consists of many hymns in praise of Lords, many verses of repentance and confession. Pratikraman is a process of cleaning one's own mind, purifying ideas and for making a resolution that the right path will be found. The original text of the Pratikraman Sutra was written by various authors which can explain
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