Kshamavani Kshamaparva

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Kshamavani Kshamaparva":

This text, "Kshamavani Kshamaparva," authored by Darbarilal Kothiya, delves into the significance of forgiveness within Jainism, framing it as a culmination of a period of spiritual discipline.

The introduction highlights the coexistence of two ancient Indian cultures: the Vedic and the Shraman. The Shraman culture, stemming from the Prakrit word "Shraman" (derived from "Shaman" meaning one who has conquered senses and mind and preaches equanimity to all beings), is characterized by the teachings and conduct of self-controlled and self-reliant ascetics. These ascetics strive to cause no harm to any living being, speak no untruth, covet no external possessions even in dreams, and find solace only in their own soul. Their dharma (duty) lies in compassion, self-control, renunciation, and meditation. They view the body, mind, and senses as external and focus on spiritual purification, abstaining from anything that nourishes or corrupts them. While this path may seem difficult for ordinary individuals, it is achievable for extraordinary souls.

The text acknowledges that in worldly interactions, mistakes are inevitable due to negligence and the presence of passions like anger, ego, deceit, and greed. It emphasizes that neither negligence nor passions are beneficial; they only harm the soul and can cause distress to others.

To address this, the Shramanas instituted practices of seeking forgiveness and lightening karmic bonds through daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, and annual observances. While ascetics engage in these practices regularly through "Pratikraman" (a ritual of repentance), it is difficult for householders. Therefore, householders observe an annual event.

This annual event, known as Kshamaparva (Festival of Forgiveness), is celebrated on Ashwin Krishna 1 (the first day of the waning moon in the month of Ashwin), marking the end of the month of Bhadrapad. This period involves ten days, from Bhadrapad Shukla 5 to Bhadrapad Shukla 14, dedicated to the worship and adoration of the ten cardinal virtues of Jainism: forgiveness (Kshama), humility (Mardav), straightforwardness (Arjav), truthfulness (Satya), purity (Shaucha), self-control (Sanyam), austerity (Tapa), renunciation (Tyaga), non-possession (Akinchanya), and celibacy (Brahmacharya). Through this devotional practice, individuals aim to become humble and compassionate, reducing the negative impact of negligence and passions. They recognize the Ratnatrayi (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct) as the invaluable treasure of the soul.

Consequently, on Kshamaparva, individuals seek forgiveness from each other for their mistakes made during the year due to passions or negligence, and they also extend forgiveness to others. The essence of this exchange is captured in the prayer: "Khammaami savvajivanam savve jiva khamantu me. Mitti me savvabhutesu vairam majjham na kenchid." This translates to: "I forgive all living beings, and may all living beings forgive me. I have friendship with all beings; I have no enmity with anyone."

The festival is also referred to as Kshamavani Parva (Festival of Forgiveness Pronouncements) due to the act of speaking words of forgiveness, and Kshamavni or Kshamavani Parva (meaning "the earth of forgiveness" or "land of forgiveness") because the day itself becomes the ground for forgiveness.

The text concludes by stating that this festival undoubtedly washes away the accumulated impurities and negativity from the mind over the year, fostering friendship and a sense of kinship among people.