YJA Convention 1996 07 San Francisco CA

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

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PRATIKRAMAN AND SAMAYIK
INTRODUCTION
From various discourses and readings it has been stated that to be born as a human is extremely difficult, let alone being born Jain. We must therefore ensure that if we wish to attain Moksha that we must not waste this hard-earned opportunity, for it may never again return. Our spiritual efforts are of paramount importance as they lay the foundation to liberation. Padit Todarmal stated that the one who makes real and genuine effort does not have many rebirths left to fulfill. This means participation in activities like Samayik and Pratikraman.
PRATIKRAMAN, SAMAYIK, AND THE SIX ESSENTIALS
Jains believe the soul in its pure form is imbedded with infinite perception, knowledge, happiness, and vigor. These attributes are not, however, manifested by worldly souls, because they are smeared with sins (Karmas). The basic purpose of religion is the upliftment of the soul which may also be considered a restrained life. For this purpose, various rituals have been devised which help in progressively getting rid of the impurities and defilements and eventually liberating the soul from the bondages of Karmas. One of the most important rituals is Pratikraman, which must be performed by all Jains young or old. During this ritual we can review our demeritorious activities on a daily basis. The sooner we realize our mistakes and ask for forgiveness, the easier it will be to shred off the bondage of Karmas from our soul.
As Jain Shravaks and Shravikas, our lives are devoted to fulfilling each of the six essentials. They are the six most important principles in all of Jainism. The ritual of Pratikraman is devised as to cover six essentials to be performed by everyone. Let us try to understand their significance in our daily life. They are:
Samayik: Chauvisattho: Vandana: Pratikraman: Kayotsoga: Pratyakhyan or Pacchakhan:
To stay in equanimity. Adoration and worship of 24 Tirthankars. Obeisance to Monks and Nuns. Turning back to Self. Meditation on Self. Vow for some renouncement (formal renunciation of certain activities)
WHAT IS SAMAYIK AND PRATIKRAMAN?
Samayik is a 48 minute ritual that is proposed to bring about a stated of calmness, equanimity, and righteousness of mind and speech. This is generally a 48 minute practice for householders while it lasts a lifetime for Sadhus.
Pratikraman on the other hand, is generally seen as the most important ritual in all of Jainism. As Jains, we are committed to doing Pratikraman twice a day. Before going to sleep we should do evening (Devsi) Pratikraman for the sins committed during the day. In the same way, for the sins committed during the night, we should do morning (Ray) Pratikraman. However it is understandable that everyone cannot spare that much time every day, therefore they should try to do it every 15 days (Pakkhi). But if your busy schedule does not leave even that much time, you should strive to practice it every four months (Chomasi). But even if that is too much, then you have to do it once a year (Samvatsari) on the last day of Swetambar/Digambar Paryushan. According to the scriptures, those who do not practice it once a year automatically lose their Jainatva. There Karmas become sticky (Nikachit) and they go back into (Mithyatva).
The traditional Pratikraman which lasts for nearly three hours, has many benefits. One should note that there are many verses repeated several times. For example, the prayer to the 24 Tirthankars and all the Siddhas is repeated 40 times. While translating it into English, we will recited it only once, thus saving time. Another
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