Micchami Dukkadam South Asian Times 2008

This document from The South Asian Times in September 2008 focuses on "Micchami Dukkadam," the unique Jain festival of forgiveness.

The article explains that "Micchami Dukkadam" is exchanged for forgiveness on Samvatsari, the concluding day of Paryushan, the most important annual Jain religious observance. Paryushan is an 8-10 day period of intensive study, reflection, and purification, culminating in confession and seeking forgiveness for the past year's transgressions.

The document then provides a practical, step-by-step guide for readers to experience and practice forgiveness, mirroring the spirit of Micchami Dukkadam:

• Step 1: Reflect on Forgiveness: Encourage readers to contemplate the meaning of forgiveness.
• Step 2: Forgive Others: Instructs readers to visualize someone for whom they hold resentment, invite them into their mind, and silently say, "I forgive you," for any pain caused intentionally or unintentionally through words, actions, or thoughts. The power of this thought is emphasized.
• Step 3: Seek Forgiveness from Others: Guides readers to visualize someone who might have resentment towards them (a friend, family member, colleague, etc.) and gently let them go with blessings, implying a silent acknowledgment of their potential pain and an offering of forgiveness in return.
• Step 4: Forgive Yourself: Encourages readers to turn inward and offer themselves forgiveness for any perceived shortcomings or self-imposed limitations, specifically mentioning overcoming mercilessness and fear. This step emphasizes self-compassion and healing.
• Step 5: Extend Forgiveness Universally: Promotes extending forgiveness to all beings around them, the entire planet, and the universe. This involves a wish for all beings to forgive themselves, discover joy, be freed from suffering, be healed, be at peace, and know their true, peaceful, and vast nature.

The article also includes a brief section on Ganesh Chaturthi, another festival celebrated around the same time. It identifies Lord Ganesh as the god of good beginnings and remover of obstacles, noting the festival's 10-day duration and its elaborate celebration in certain Indian states. A Sanskrit mantra for Ganesh invocation is provided.

In essence, the document highlights the profound Jain concept of forgiveness, not just as a ritual but as an actionable practice for personal and universal peace and healing, linking it to the significant Paryushan festival.