YJA Convention 1996 07 San Francisco CA

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

Page 29

2. Three Gunavrats: The Three Gunavrats are for enhancing in certain matter the above Anuvrats
by setting geographic boundaries, restrictions on consumption of avocations, etc. In the first Gunavrat we set geographic limits beyond which we would not go. In the second Gunavrat we set restriction in the gross number of articles of consumption. WE also decide to stay away from all trades which may contribute to violence, directly or indirectly. In the third Gunavrat, we resolve to refrain from meaningless violence.
3.
Four Shikshivrats: Proceeding after the Gunavratas are the four Shikshivrats. The four Shikshivrats that slowly, but steadily lead towards our eventual goal of Moksha. Though it may seem difficult, it is possible to do so in gradual steps. The fourth Shikshavrat is to take Samayik (48 minutes of equianimosity) as often as possible. The Shikshavrat is to put further restrictions of geographic limits beyond which we would not go. The third Shikshavrat is to live like a Muni for one day, which is also known as Poshadhvrat. The word Muni implies a vow of only observing, without praising or complaining, only keeping silence (Maun). The fourth Shikshavrat is to take care of the needs of the munis and others in need. The is known as Atithi Samvibhagvrat. Atithi means someone who may come unexpectedly, without invitation (such as a Sadhu), and Samvibhag means sharing, with love and respect.
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Following these 12 vows, we express our desire for Santharo, the peaceful, voluntary, and planned religious death. Next, we remind ourselves to stay away from the eighteen types of sinful acts. After that we remind ourselves about the twenty-five types of wrong beliefs, which we should stay away from
Right after that, we recite "Auspicious Fours" , in which we accept the supremacy and shelter of Arihants, Siddhas, Sadhus, and the religion taught by Kevalis. Now, w we have finished 2/3 of the Pratikraman.
For the next fifteen minutes, we pay our homage to the Tirthankars and Kevali Lords in the Mahavideh Kshetra. We read a list of all the 24 Tirthankars names. We read about their virtues. Then we pay our homage to the Siddha Lords, along with all the 24 Tirthankars of the Kaal. They have gotten rid of all their Karmas, and have broken the cycle of misery, poverty, sickness, etc. Then we bow to the Sadhus and Sadhvis in all the Kshetras. They have given up their family lives, their wealth, house, jewelry, etc. with the intention of uplifting their souls. We then pay our respects to our fellow shravaks and shravikas(male and female householders), who live here and in other Kshetras, and follow the principles of Jainism. And last, but not least, we remember the non-human souls, even though they are at a lower level than ours. There are 8.4 million species living in various broad categories ranging from humans to single-celled organisms. To all of them, we ask for forgiveness.
In the end, we ask for forgiveness for any improprieties that we may have committed during the Pratikraman. Also, we take a symbolic vow. This is to remind us of self-control. If the Pratikraman is done in the evening, as is usually the case, the vow is for Chauvihar, which means not eating or drinking anything for the rest of the day and the night, until the next morning. If it is not possible, we take the vow of Tivihar, which means the same as Chauvihar, except that we are allowed water. If the Pratikraman is done in the morning, the period of abstinence from eating or drinking is for one or two hours.
SOME IMPORTANT SUTRAS IN PRATIKRAMAN
Logassa Sutra: This sutra is frequently recited throughout the entire Pratikraman ceremony, as a restatement of out devotion to our Jain Dharma. This is a prayer to the 24 Tirthankars
Pap-Sthanak Sutra: This sutra describes very briefly the eighteen major categories of sins, and asks for forgiveness for all of them