Paryushana is the most important annual festivals in Jainism, celebrated with great devotion by both Shwetambara and Digambara sects. The term "Paryushana" means "abiding" or "coming together," symbolising a time of spiritual renewal and intense self-discipline. It usually occurs in August or September, lasting eight days for Shwetambaras and ten days for Digambaras, during the Indian ‘rainy season’ when monks and nuns stop travelling due to their restrictions of walking on rainwater.
The festival is centered around purification of the mind and soul through fasting, meditation, prayer, and introspection. It is not unusual to see fasts of up to eight days, limiting intake to boiled water only. In the Shwetambara tradition, reciting the Kalpa Sutra, which contains the biographies of Mahāvīra and the other Tīrthaṅkaras, and performing the daily Pratikraman, a ritual of repentance and asking forgiveness, are common activities.
Forgiveness in Jainism is called Kṣamāpana (from the Sanskrit, meaning "pacifying" or "appeasing."), and refers to the act of seeking forgiveness. It is a deeply significant concept and the practice centered on asking pardon for any harm or offenses caused to others, intentionally or unintentionally. Harm in Jainism can be in word, thought or deed, and all are considered equal. The principle of non-violence (ahiṃsā) is central to Jain philosophy, and harm towards any living being is seen as sin (paap). The daily practice of Pratikraman during the Paryushana festival, is where Jains ask for forgiveness from family, friends, and all beings to cleanse themselves spiritually from past misdeeds and negative karma.
Paryushana culminates on the last day with Samvatsari, known as the ‘Day of Universal Forgiveness’. On this day, Jains seek forgiveness from friends, family, and all living beings by greeting them in person and saying "Micchami Dukkadam,", an ancient Indian Prakrit language phrase, found in historic Jain texts with the meaning, "May all my improper actions be inconsequential". This embodies the spirit of reconciliation, peace, and non-violence.
The practice reflects the Jain ethical emphasis on compassion, humility, and truth.
By seeking forgiveness, one acknowledges their imperfections and the interconnectedness of all life, aiming to purify the soul and progress on the path to liberation (moksha).
Kṣamāpana is not merely a formal ritual but a sincere internal attitude of remorse and a commitment to ethical living, which is fundamental to Jain teachings. It is best described by the daily Jain prayer;
Khamemi Savva Jive,
Savve Jiva Khamantu Me,
Mitti Me Savva Bhuesu,
Veram Majjha Na Kenai
Translated: "I forgive of all living beings, may all of them forgive me, may I have friendship with all beings and enmity with none".
