Portrait of Jain Religion

Author(s): Narendra Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 98

Another meaning of Paryushan is to burn all types of karmas. Paryushan comes during Chaturmas when at each place groups of Jain sadhus and Sadhvis stay for a longer time because of the rainy season. Thus, Chaturmas and more particularly Paryushan provides a valuable opportunity for listening to their sermons as well as their interpretation of holy scriptures, and clearing doubts about principles and practices prescribed in the religion. Paryushan offers an opportunity for complete and unwavering concentration on religion and spirituality, and more particularly observance of ahimsa, aparigraha and anekant as well other ingredients of anuvrat with sincerity and dedication.
SHWETAMBAR PARYUSHAN
The eight days of the Paryushan are dedicated to Ahar shuddhi, Sahakar shuddhi, vyapar shuddhi, sanskar shuddhi, aachar shuddhi, vichar shuddhi, vyavahar shuddhi, and atma shuddhi There is an organized effort to rectify wrong practices and perceptions and take to the right path in all respects ranging from food, thoughts, life values, dealings with others, business practices and above all one's inner conscience. During these days, one tries voluntarily to control one's passions, and avoid being egoistic, greedy, cruel, exploitative and violent. One is inspired to strengthen qualities of humility, piety, tolerance, compassion and equanimity.
Fasting is very common and many people fast for all the eight days or one or more days depending on their will power. Many stop their professional or business activities to devote total time to religious pursuits. On all the eight days, special emphasis is placed in the sermons for inner self-criticism and introspection, admission of one's wrong conduct towards others, seeking forgiveness from others and forgiving them and genuinely repenting for wrong deeds done.
At the temples and Sthanaks, Jain saints recite Kalpa Sutra which contains a detailed account of Mahavir's life in addition to the
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A Portrait of Jain Religion