Book Title: Jain Center ST Louis 1999 05 Pratistha
Author(s): Jain Center St Louis
Publisher: USA Jain Center St Louis MO

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Page 33
________________ country. For this purpose, the Jain sages have designed six essentials or activities which a Jain is expected to perform every day. The six daily activities of a household are: and keep it there. During these days we repent and ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoings, and try to forgive wrong doings of others. Only when we come out of our negative mind can we forgive. We forgive not for outward show but for our own self, for cleansing our own consciousness. These days also remind us right from wrong so that one can attempt to prevent those wrong doings from happening again. 1. Samayik 2. Chauvisantho 3. Vandana 4. Pratikraman Stay in equanimity Worship of Supreme Souls Homage to Monk Go back and review daily activities Meditation on self Take a vow or renunciation of certain activities 5. Kayotsarga 6. Pacchakhan Classifications in Jainism: Like many other great religions of the world, Jainism has also been divided into Svetambaras and Digambaras. Svetambaras are further subdivided into Deravasi – temple-goers and one who worships idols, Sthanakvasi — those who believes in private worship and do not worship idols and have no temples, and a small group of Terapanthi sect which is also nonidolatrous. All Jainas, whether Svetambaras or Digambaras, worship 24 Tirthankaras. Anekantvada: Many of Jainism's principles and teachings are very important to the present day turmoil in the world. One such principle is Anekantvad. This doctrine is also known as the theory of Relativity or Philosophy of Non-absolutism. The principle teaches us how to realize truth in its varied aspects. Bhagvan Mahavira has said that every substance has infinite attributes and different attributes may be seen through different angles. Thus, anekantvad teaches us that we should not impose our own thoughts or views on others, but try to reconcile with the thoughts or viewpoints of others. Practicing this principle may help remove our selfish and partial outlook. This may make us more tolerant in our outlook and attitude towards others. Anekantvad shows us how to respect the candid opinions of others, it establishes unity in diversity, it promises reconciliation of conflicting statements, thoughts, religions, etc. Thus anekantvad can be a great instrument to peaceful co-existence and unity in the world Paryushana - one of the most important Jain festivals, the last eight days of the Jain year are known as Paryushana. Paryushana is also known as “Festival of Forgiveness”. Every year Jainas do an annual rite on the last day of Paryushana called Samvatsary Pratikraman. Paryushana means "to stay near" and Pratikraman means "going back”. Both these phrases refer to the "Atma" — soul. During these eight days we try to take our soul towards compassion, peace, equanimity and forgiveness, Let us end with one of the daily prayers of Jainism: I forgive all the living beings and let all the living beings forgive me. I have amity with all and enmity with none. खामि सजीव, सले जीवा वसंत थे। मिती ये सल्यास, वरं माझं मददगई ।। 89 BA 31 For Private & Personal Use Only Jain Education Intemational www.jainelibrary.org

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