Paryushan and Das Lakshana Parva

Author(s): Pravin K Shah
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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5 kshamäpana Repenting our sins, forgiving others and
requesting forgiveness from others In the Shvetämbar tradition, the Kalpa Sutra, a Jain scripture that includes a detailed account of the life of Bhagawan Mahävir and other Tirthankars' is read to the congregation from the fourth through the last day of Paryushan. On the fifth day the auspicious dreams of Bhagawan Mahävir's mother Trishala are celebrated at a special ceremony. The final day of Paryushan, known as Samvatsari, the day of repentance of our past sins and forgiveness to others, is the most important day of Paryushan. The Digambar tradition calls this festival Das Lakshana Parva and observes it for 10 days. Each day is dedicated to one virtue.
10 Religious Virtues: 1. Kshamä
Forgiveness Märdava Humility Ärjava
Straightforwardness Shaucha Contentment - absence of greed Satya
Truth Samyam
Restraint of all senses Tapa
Austerities 8. Tyag
Charity 9. Äkinchan Non-possessiveness
10. Brahmacharya Chastity or Celibacy Some traditions read the Tattvärtha Sutra, an ancient Jain scripture that covers the entire Jain philosophy, is read to the congregation. The scripture has 10 chapters and one chapter is read every day. The last day of Paryushan (Samvatsari) and the first day of the Das Lakshana Parva (Kshamä) is the day of forgiveness, and the most important day for all Jains. This is the day when all Jains repent for their past sins, ask for forgiveness from family, friends, enemies, and especially from those with whom they have struggled, for hurting them in any way either knowingly or unknowingly during the past year. It is essential to our spiritual advancement that we do not harbor ill will or hold grudges beyond a year. Hence, the annual occasion for repentance and forgiveness is the most important day in Jain tradition. By meditating and purifying ourselves during these eight days of Paryushan or ten days of Das Lakshana, we come to realize ourselves. We call the Festival of Paryushan, the Festival of the Soul; when we forgive, we become one with the light of our soul. On the last day those who have observed rigorous fasting are honored, especially to encourage others to follow their example. Listening to the Kalpa Sutra, Tattvärtha Sutra, or some other scripture, taking positive steps to ensure the welfare of all living beings, developing the feeling of brotherhood towards fellow human beings and forgiveness for all living beings, doing penance, visiting neighboring temples, libraries, and Upäshrays are all important activities during this time. After performing Samvatsari Pratikraman or Das lakshana celebration, Jains request forgiveness from all living beings in person, via telephone, or via mail. One example of such a request in writing is shown below: