''Pratikramana'' ( sa, प्रतिक्रमण; also spelled ''Pratikraman'') (lit. "introspection"), is a ritual during which

Jains Jainism ( ), also known as Jain Dharma, is an Indian religion. Jainism traces its spiritual ideas and history through the succession of twenty-four tirthankaras (supreme preachers of ''Dharma''), with the first in the current time cycle being ...

repent (''prayaschit'') for their sins and non-meritorious activities committed knowingly or inadvertently during their daily life through thought, speech or action. Pratikramana also refers to a combition of six ''avashyaks'' (essential rituals), being '' Samayik'' (state of total equanimity), ''Chauvisantho'' (honoring the 24 Tirthankars), ''Vandana'' – (offering salutations to ''sadhus'' (monks) and ''sadhvis'' (nuns)), ''Pratikramana'' (introspection and repentance), ''

Kayotsarga Kayotsarga ( , pka, काउस्सग्ग ) is a yogic posture which is an important part of the Jain meditation. It literally means "dismissing the body". A tirthankara is represented either seated in yoga posture or standing in the kayo ...

'' (meditation of the soul) and ''Pratyakhyan'' (renunciation). Although frequency of repenting varies, devout Jains often practice Pratikraman at least twice a day. It is one of the 28 primary attributes (''mūla guņa'') of both Śvētāmbara and

Digambara ''Digambara'' (; "sky-clad") is one of the two major schools of Jainism, the other being '' Śvētāmbara'' (white-clad). The Sanskrit word ''Digambara'' means "sky-clad", referring to their traditional monastic practice of neither possessing ...

monks.

Etymology

''Pratikramana'' is the combination of two words, ''Pra'' meaning "return" and ''atikramana'' meaning "violation". Literally, it means "returning from violations".

Types of ''Pratikramana''

There are five types of ''Pratikramana'': #Devasi #Ray #Pakhi #Chaumasi #

Samvatsari ''Saṃvatsari'' ( sa, संवत्सरी) (lit. Annual Day or fig. Forgiveness Day) is the last day of ''Paryushana'' Shwetambar sect of Jainism. It falls on Shukla Panchami each year in the Jain calendar month of Bhadrapada, somewh ...

''Devasi Pratikraman''

''Devasi Pratikramana is performed daily in the evening.

''Rayi Pratikraman''

''Rayi Pratikraman'' is performed in the early morning.

''Pakhi Pratikraman''

''Pakhi Pratikramana'' is done once every fifteen days. It falls on 15th and 30th dates (sud and vad) of the Hindu calendar month.

''Chaumasi Pratikraman''

''Chaumasi Pratikramana'' is done once in four months on the Purnima (full moon) of the Kartik, Falgun and Aṣaṛh months of the Vira Nirvana Samvat calendrical year for the sins committed during that period.

''Samvatsari Pratikramana''

Pratikraman is done once per year on the last day of

Paryushana Das Lakshana'' or ''Paryushana is the most important annual holy event for Jains and is usually celebrated in August or September in Hindi calendar (indian calendar) Bhadrapad Month's Shukla Paksha. Jains increase their level of spiritual inte ...

mahaparv for the

sin In a religious context, sin is a transgression against divine law. Each culture has its own interpretation of what it means to commit a sin. While sins are generally considered actions, any thought, word, or act considered immoral, selfish, s ...

s committed during the whole year. As per holy Jain Agamas, Samvatsari Pratikaman is practiced on the 5th day (sud) of Bhadarva month of the Hindu calendar. Samvatsari Pratikraman includes all six things a ''

Śrāvaka Śrāvaka (Sanskrit) or Sāvaka (Pali) means "hearer" or, more generally, "disciple". This term is used in Buddhism and Jainism. In Jainism, a śrāvaka is any lay Jain so the term śrāvaka has been used for the Jain community itself (for example ...

'' (householders) must do:

Overview

Jainism considers the soul, in its pure form, to have infinite perception, knowledge, and vigor, and to be non-attached. These attributes are not seen in a worldly soul because it is soiled with karmas. By following religious principles and activities, Jains believe they overcome karmas and promote liberation of the soul. There are various rituals, of which Pratikraman is the most important. During pratikraman, Jains repent for non-meritorious activities on a daily basis. ''Pratikraman'' must be performed twice every day, or at least once every day after sunset. If that is not possible, at least on every Pakkhi (24 times in a year). If that is not possible, at least one every Chaumasi (3 times in a year). If none of the above is possible a Jain must perform at least

Pratikraman (once a year).

Sāmāyika

''Pratikramana'' is also done while performing the ''sāmāyika'' (periodic concentration). In performing ''sāmāyika'', the ''śrāvaka'' has to stand facing north or east and bow to the '' Pañca-Parameṣṭhi''. He then sits down and recites the

Namokara mantra The Ṇamōkāra mantra or Navkar Mantra is the most significant mantra in Jainism, and one of the oldest mantras in continuous practice. This is the first prayer recited by the Jains while meditating. The mantra is also variously referred to ...

a certain number of times, and finally devotes himself to holy meditation. This consists in: #''pratikramana'', recounting the sins committed and repenting for them, #''pratyākhyanā'', resolving to avoid particular sins in future, #''sāmāyika karma'', renunciation of personal attachments, and the cultivation of a feeling of regarding every body and thing alike, #''stuti'', praising the four and twenty Tīrthankaras, #''vandanā'', devotion to a particular Tīrthankaras, and #''kāyotsarga'', withdrawal of attention from the body (physical personality) and becoming absorbed in the contemplation of the spiritual Self.

Chauvisantho

Chauvisantho, also called Chaturvinshatistava, means adoration of the twenty-four

Tirthankara In Jainism, a ''Tirthankara'' (Sanskrit: '; English: literally a ' ford-maker') is a saviour and spiritual teacher of the '' dharma'' (righteous path). The word ''tirthankara'' signifies the founder of a '' tirtha'', which is a fordable pass ...

s. While reciting it, Jains show their respect for the Tirthankaras and are reminded of how victorious these Jinas were, who overcame inner enemies like anger, ego, greed, deceit, etc. Chauvisantho encourages Jains to emulate Tirthankars and strive to be like them.

Pratyakhyan

This is a formal renunciation of certain activities, which stops or reduces the inflow of karmas to a great extent. This activity helps us to learn to control our desires and prepares us for a much bigger renunciation.

References

External links

Jaina.org
{{Jainism Topics Jain philosophical concepts Jain practices