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In Search of the Ultimate
why it encompasses the Prakrit, Sanskrit and Gujarati languages. Pratikraman has consequently become an annual ritual for most Jains. Many do not understand the meaning of the text, blindly observing the 3 hour ritual. At the end of the ritual it is customary to ask for forgiveness by saying Michchami Dukkadam (-May my faults be destroyed and be forgiven). This is believed to be a good way of forgetting any bad behaviour done to each other and of saying 'sorry' in a most systematic way. People do not just say 'sorry' to their friends but to the smallest living beings in the universe and to almighty God also. Nowadays Jains send Michchami Dukkadam' cards to each other as well.
I have selected most of the verses for English translation. The following is a limited version of the original Pratikraman, but it contains most of the hymns. This version is limited to avoid repetition.
What follows now is not a complete literary translation of all the Sutras but an "Essence of Pratikraman". IMPORTANT
Original Pratikraman should be observed as prescribed in JainScriptures. This is merely an extra version for those who do not understand the old language of the Sutras.
HOW TO OBSERVE PRATIKRAMAN? Put on clean clothes, (after taking bath). Sit in a quiet place. Sit on a woolly-cloth or shawl. Keep a clean handkerchief (white) with you. Keep this book in front of you, read and observe Pratikraman as stated herein.
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