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Śramana, Vol. 61, No. 3
July - September 10
PRATIKRAMAŅA : AN UNPARALLELED
CONTRIBUTION OF SRAMAŅA TRADITION TO INDIAN CULTURE
Dr. Kamla Jain*
[ In this article the author has very beautifully presented the importance of Pratikramana in Jaina code of conduct laid down for ascetics as well as householders. Literally Pratikramana means retracing of the soul to its natural purity which is defiled by passions and endless desires for external objects. It is an individual's realization out of his self contemplation that "If I have gone astray from the right track, or committed anything wrong, it is time for me to tread on the original right path." This is a realization with confidence along with a feeling of regret and repentance for having left the right path, with a resolve for not to repeat the same in future. ]
Culture is a very difficult term to define but a very simple fact of life. It has been defined by sociologists and anthropologists in number of ways. Sorokin defines culture as "a complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society". This definition seems exhaustive enough to make us understand as to how much it contributes and how much can be contributed to it. It characterizes all those elements which man has created and in which he can make improvements. It is a continuous flow from generation to generation of human society. The contribution of Śramaņa tradition to Indian culture is manifold and unquestionable as it has a history of thousands of years. In Indian culture there are many rituals that have very deep emotional and intellectual components which are both individually and socially
* Former Associate Professor of Philosophy Jesus and Mary Col
lege, Delhi University, New Delhi.
