Jain Journal 2000 07

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 42

JAIN JOURNAL: Vol-XXXV, No. 1 July 2000
Acharya Rajyesh Surishwarji who is presently observing the Chaturmas vow here, explained the significance of the eight-day festival (commencing today) called "Paryushana" to draw the attention of the Jains to the need for purifying their souls by practising austerities at least during this period. The Jain monks who keep continuously moving generally remain in one place during the Chaturmas, preaching the doctrines of Jainism to the householders and followers to take advantage of their presence amidst them. Their religion blooms and spreads fragrance during Paryushana. The festival is an occasion to repent for their earlier actions and as atonement, engage themselves in service, give charity, take to fasting and prayer for the welfare of all.
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One of the inspiring teachings to be conveyed to people, the Acharya said, is to remind people not to look for happiness outside but within oneself. Fasting is a method to purify oneself, to remain free from illness and to offset the consequences of acts considered sinful. Businessmen should neither start new ventures nor plan the expansion of their existing practices (during this time). They should avoid getting angry and not show aversion towards others. Paryushana's chief message is "Live within yourself". Kalpa Sutra, one of the 45 holy Jain texts, is read during this period, indicating that they not only worship idols but also knowledge. Like Lord Krishna, Lord Mahavira has been compared to a charioteer of humanity, enabling souls to get rid of worldly bondage.
Extracts from The Hindu, Chennai, August 30, 1997.
Eschew violence in daily life
It is only by renouncing the material, that which pertains to the level of the body and the mind, that the spiritual can be gained. Since man by inclination acts in the world at the level of the body and the mind, generally activities pertaining to these take precedence over the pursuit of the spiritual.
To balance this all religions prescribe certain observances which have become intrinsic to festivals and serve to remind man that he must not lose sight of the higher pursuit of the Self which is the privilege of only human beings among all beings. One such festival which emphasises the virtues of penance and fasting is the Paryusana observed by the followers of Jainism during the period of Caturmāsa.
The Caturmäsa period is important to the renunciates who intensify their spiritual practices during this period and stay in one place. It gives an opportunity for the Shravak (householders) to serve the monks