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WORSHIP
A FESTIVAL OF INTROSPECTION
HUGUES SERVE
Shitul Shah explains the philosophy underlying Daslakshan,
a unique Digambara festival
A Digambara monk gives instructions in cosmography
DASLAKSHAN PARVA (FESTIVAL OF THE TEN VIRTUES) IS THE Paryushan festival as celebrated by the Digambara Jains. Eating, drinking and being merry are normally associated with festivals but Paryushan is the opposite. During Paryushan Jains practise penances, vows, fast and study. If not fasting, they refrain from eating green vegetables. There are two categories of festivals: eternal and non-eternal. The non-eternal festivals are further divided as those that relate to people and those that relate to historical events. Dipawali, Mahavir Jayanti and Janamasthami, which celebrate the liberation and birth of Lord Mahavir and birth of Lord Krishna respectively, are people related festivals.
Paryushan, on the other hand, is an eternal festival relating neither to people nor to any historical event. It is the time to celebrate the natural qualities of the soul. Just as the soul does not have a beginning or an end, Paryushan does not have a beginning or an end. It falls three times a year but is only celebrated once around August September because at this time, business being quiet, businessman can take time off for spiritual pursuit. Also it is the time of the monsoon retreat when insects flourish, causing the monks to stay in one place.
Before we discuss the ten Dharmas, it is important to understand two common viewpoints found in our scriptures.
44 Jain Spirit · June - August 2001 an Education International 201003
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