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forbearance, patience, cordiality, open-heartedness and above all equanimity. It eliminates ego, greed, jealousy, anger and delusions. Thus, it emerges as an invaluable attribute for strengthening the spirit of non-violence not only in an individual, but also permeating it to the society as a whole.
Sincerely given and taken, Kshama is enabling both the forgiver and the forgiven. Mahavir used to say that, " By forgiving, one triumphs over one's sufferings and hardships." The emphasis during the entire Paryushan is one of seeking forgiveness from one and all living beings of the universe. Following words are recited during daily Pratikraman ritual as mentioned in Pratikraman Sutra:
Khamia kamavia mai khamavia mai khamaha
Savvaha jiva nikaya
Siddhaha sakha aloyena
Ujja vaira na bhava
I forgive everyone wholeheartedly;
May every living being be willing to forgive me' I call upon the purified and perfect Siddhas
To witness my declaration that
I hold no ill-will towards any one in the entire universe.
Samvatsari on the 8th day of Shwetambar Paryushan and Digambar Kshmavani have become unique occasions for solemnly highlighting the cardinal importance of Forgiveness in the Jain concept of comprehensive and active non-violence.
(2) Humility (Uttam Mardava)
Jain scriptures extol humility as one of the sheet anchors of religion. Humility calls for giving up ego, false pride in one's status in family, community or society, in one's wealth or intellect6 or accomplishments. Humility wins over feelings of hostility, revenge, anger and exploitation.
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