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The ten virtues highlighted during the 10-day Digambar Paryushan are virtually like ten commandments, which if cultivated in thought, conduct and expression would be instrumental in not only helping in one's soul awakening, but also promote ethical social values as conceived in the compassionate Jain philosophy. Renowned Digambar Jain Acharya Vidyasagarji has observed that all the ten virtues are intertwined and need to be practiced together. They are all equally important, and together constitute the essence of Jain teachings. As during Shwetambar Paryushan, during Digambar Paryushan also one witnesses intense religiosity in the form of regular reading of or listening to extracts from holy scriptures particularly Bhaktamar Sutra, sermons of saints present during Chaturmas, observance of rituals in elaborate forms of worship, penance through fasts or food restraint in strict conformity with Jain teachings, self-study, Pratikramana, active participation in religious discourses, and undertaking acts of compassion towards other living beings. Sugandh Dashmi, the fifth day of the Paryushan is a festive occasion when Jain families visit a number of temples to offer scented powder symbolizing spread of fragrance all around in the presence of the idols of Tirthankars. On the 10th and the last day Anant Chaturdashi is celebrated usually with fasting in honor of the birth anniversary of Tirthankar Anantnathji. After the gap of a day comes the Kshamavani. Festival for seeking forgiveness from others for any hurt caused to them by one's thoughts, conduct or expressions. The day brings to a climax the paramount importance in Jain philosophy of Forgiveness. It is pertinent to review the significance of the ten virtues highlighted during the Digambar Paryushan as follows : (1) Forgiveness (Uttam Kshama) Forgiveness, if practiced to perfection, is the most important ingredient for soul purification. Forgiveness promotes tolerance,
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A Portrait of Jain Religion
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