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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Katasanu: Samayik is supposed to be done in the position that is assumed when one is milking a cow, because that is the way that the Lord Mahavir sat when he attained Keval Gnan. Because one cannot assume the crouching position for a long time, the katasanu symbolizes the human's incapability to sit in that position.
Charavio: the charavio is used to sweep the sitting area for bugs. It is used symbolically in these days, as the charavio "sweeps the dust" of our karma from our souls.
Sthapnaji: this item, which consists of the sapdo (folding table) and the Pratikraman book, is used in place of a guru. The book must contain the Namokar Mantra and the Panchidiya Sutra. It is the center of a successful Pratikraman ceremony.
Kausagga: having the hands in open position, palati, while doing the namokar mantra: this is the posture to sit in at perfect attention and perform the pratikaman or samayak in. It symbolizes the full consciousness and attention devoted to ridding the soul of karmas, and also respect for Jainism..
Chaityavandan: left knee up, hands closed in prayer: This is performed to salute the arihantas and siddhas, and other holy figures seated in the chaityas or the temple, to remember their spiritual virtues. Also, one prays that our own spiritual virtues may also may be awakened.
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Jain Education Intematonal