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Samvatsari Pratikramana
313
Pure
The observer of the vows knows the pacchakkhan sutra and its meaning but accepts the vows from someone who does not know the pacchakkhan sutra and its meaning.
Partly pure: The observer of the vows does not know the pacchakkhan sutra and its meaning but accepts the vows from someone who knows the pacchakkhan sutra and its meaning.
Impure The observer of the vows does not know the pacchakkhan sutra and its meaning and accepts the vows from someone who also does not know the pacchakkhan sutra and its meaning.
(The first and the second categories are good; assuming that the observer will learn the sutra and meanings from the one giving the vows, the third category is somewhat good; however the fourth category is entirely inappropriate).
The importance of accepting the vows and
proper time thereof:
In order to reflect on the qualities of Shri Arihant Parmatma, silently recite Shri Navkar Mantra 12 times upon waking up. At that time, depending on personal willingness and capability, decide on the vow for the day (pacchakkhan), one's own self being the witness to this decision. Such decision about which vows to observe should also be made during Ra Pratikraman during Tapchintamani kayotsarg. Then one should proceed to the derasar (Jain temple) in order to perform morning worship ritual with scented sandal dust (vasakshep puja). At the derasar accept the vow by reciting the pacchakkhan sutra with Lord as the witness. Thereafter one should go to Upashray (temporary abode of Jain monks), pay obeisance to the Guru and accept the vow from the Guru with Guru as the witness. While accepting vows
