Jain's Forgiveness Day

"If I have caused you offence in any way, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word or deed, then I seek your forgiveness" After the pratikramana, Jains seek forgiveness from all the creatures of the world whom they may have harmed knowingly or unknowingly by uttering the phrase—micchāmi dukkaḍaṃ. As a matter of ritual, during Samvatsari—the last day of Jain festival paryusana—Jains utter the phrase— Micchami Dukkadam after pratikraman. As a matter of ritual, they personally greet their friends and relatives micchāmi dukkaḍaṃ seeking their forgiveness. Forgiveness is asked by telling "Micchami Dukkadam" to each other. On the last day, known as Samvatsari, many also observe a unique custom where they ask every individual they may have offended during the year for forgiveness. Old quarrels are forgotten and friendships and relationships renewed as they fold their hands and say "Micchamidukkadam" or "Please forgive me."

Paryushan Parva is also popular as Dash Lakshan Parva because Jains observe puja of ten universal virtues on this day. It is also known as Maha Parva or Parva Raj as it is the biggest festival of Jains. Paryushan Parva is also referred to as Paryu-Prasa, Paryupshamn or Pajjusvana, Pajjushana, and Samvatsari Parva. Introduction Paryushan Parva is an annual religious festival of the Jains. Considered auspicious and sacred, it is observed to deepen the awareness as a physical being in conjunction with spiritual observations. Generally,Paryushan Parva falls in the month of September. Significance In Jainisim, fasting is considered as a spiritual activity, that purify our souls, improve morality, spiritual power, increase knowledge and strengthen relationships. The purpose is to purify our souls by staying closer to our own souls, looking at our faults and asking for forgiveness for the mistakes and taking vows to minimize our faults. Also a time when Jains will review their action towards their animals, environment and every kind of soul. Observing Paryashan Parva Paryashan Parva is an annual, sacred religious festivals of the Jains. It is celebrated with fasting, reading of scriptures, observing silence etc. preferably under the guidance of monks in temples. Strict fasting where one has to completely abstain from food and even water is observed for a week or more. Depending upon one's capability, complete fasting spans between 8-31 days. Religious and spiritual discourses are held where tales of Lord Mahavira are narrated. The Namokar Mantra is chanted everyday. Forgiveness in as important aspect of the celebration. At the end of Fasting, all will ask for forgiveness for any violence or wrongdoings they may have imposed previous year. The practice of forgiving transcends religious boundaries

Dashlakshan Parva 2011, Paryushan begins for Digamber on September 2, 2011., and for Shwetambar begins on 25th August, 2011

In the Digamber, The ten cardinal virtues, Dashlakshan Dharma, are celebrated during Paryushan to remind Jains of the characteristics of the soul. The ten dharmas or the virtues of the soul are forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, contentment, truth, sensual restraint, austerities, charity, non-possessiveness, and celibacy. During these days monks and scholars lecture each day on each specific virtue. Also, Jains undertake various fasts depending on their devotion and strength and take vows such as not eating green vegetables or root vegetables. Fasting is done by taking only one meal a day or by not taking any meals for one day or the entire ten days. The sixth day of Paryushan is Dhoop Dashmi, a day to clean temples and hold special gatherings. Many married women take vows to observe fasting on this day every year for ten years.The last day, Anant Chaturdashi, is celebrated by fasting and spending time in prayer and meditation at the temple.Two days after the end of the Dashlakshan, Digambar Jains celebrate Kshmavani, a day of forgiveness. Just as Jains exchange sweets during Diwali, on this day Jains exchange words of apology and forgiveness. Paryushan Parva : Das Dharma : Uttam kshama, Mardav, Aarjav, Satya, Shaucha, Samyam, Tap, Tyag, Aakinchinya and Brahmacharya Paryushan Parva, also known as Dash Lakshan Parva is the Jain festival celebrated for self-purification and uplift of oneself. It falls in Bhadrapad month of Hindu calendar.

To my esteemed followers and readers: "If I have caused you offence in any way, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word or deed, then I seek your forgiveness" - Rajinder Pershad Jindal, Delhi, India.