Jain Oceans Drop

Author(s): Pratap J Tolia
Publisher: Vardhaman Bharati International Foundation

Page 20

(1973
SAMVATSARI PRATIKRAMANA - FROM THE EYES OF AN AMERICAN JAIN YOUTH
1. Why should we do it?
As household people, we do many sins, knowingly or unknowingly, physically or mentally, every now and then. Once a year, in this ritual, we remind ourselves of how we should be living and what we should be doing. For all the hurting to others, we seek
forgiveness through repentance. We say "MICHCHHAMI DUDDKADAM", to mean it. 2. How should we do it?
We sit completely still, like a Muni. We should not move any part of the body. We try to avoid speaking, looking around, yawning, even deep breathing, coughing, sneezing or burping so that no part of our body moves. The idea is that for an hour or so we practice the type of the same high quality that the Munis do for years. This reminds to ourselves that
soul is separate from the body. The special word for this act is called "KAYOTSARGA". 3. What do the words in it mean?
We recite names of all the 24 Tirthankars, who have demonstrated in their own lives how to achieve the highest qualities expected from a Jain
"AHIMSA PARAMO DHARMA" - means that non-violence is most important. We recognize that even in the smallest insects, invisible without a microscope, have a soul. They have equal desires and rights for living happily. We should not kill them; we should not even hurt them. However, if we did do any harm to them, then they progressively move on to larger ones, such as ants, worms, and larger animals. When we walk, we should keep our eyes on earth so that we can spot small insects. Whenever we see them, we should walk away from them in order to avoid stepping over them.
Then we remind ourselves of the other principles. We should not say iies. We should not take anything without the owner's permission. We should not think of sex. We should not get greedy. We should not hoard money, grains, etc.. We should not cheat others. We should not love money, materials. We should not hate anyone. We should not argue. We should not argue. We should not put blame on others. We should not speak bad things about other people. We should not get glad or sad under favourable or unfavourable circumstances. We should not follow wrong God, preacher of religion.
Then we remind ourselves of the importance of paying special respect to the Guru, or the teacher. We serve him. We listen to him. We speak to him softly. We should not argue with him or interrupt him. We should not sit at a place equal to or higher than his, nor should we touch his seat with our legs.
"Samvatsari" means annual, or once a year. We seek forgiveness for all of the above sins. If we are true in our heart, we should get it. Naturally, if we are honest in our confession, we should not commit the same sins again, atleast not willingly or knowingly.
Anu jain (Jain study centre of Boston, USA)