Paryushan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Paryushan" by Anwar Agewan, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Paryushan Author: Anwar Agewan Publisher: Premayan Prakashan Central Theme: The book "Paryushan" by Anwar Agewan describes the Jain festival of Paryushan as a profound spiritual celebration focused on self-purification, introspection, and the attainment of inner peace and liberation. It emphasizes that Paryushan is not merely a ritualistic observance but a path to self-realization and universal well-being.

Key Concepts and Themes:

• Paryushan as a Mahaparva (Great Festival): The text establishes Paryushan as a supreme festival of self-discipline and spiritual practice. It is a time dedicated to introspection, self-correction, and the purification of the soul.

• Spiritual Significance: The book highlights that Paryushan is deeply rooted in Indian culture and spirituality, with each festival and observance carrying a spiritual undertone. The core aim of these practices, according to Jainism, is to understand the true nature of the soul.

• Jain Philosophy of Soul and Liberation: Jainism offers a unique scientific analysis of the soul's bondage and liberation, and the reasons behind them. Its religious practices, rituals, and vows are seen as steps towards the soul's development and eventual freedom.

• Contrast with Worldly Festivals: While worldly festivals often focus on pleasure and material desires, Paryushan is presented as a transcendental festival that inspires virtues like charity, renunciation, and self-control, guiding individuals towards self-welfare. It is called "Pardhadhiraj" (King of Festivals) or "Dharm Parva" (Festival of Dharma) due to this emphasis on spiritual upliftment.

• The Essence of Paryushan: The book delves into the etymology of the word "Paryushan," deriving it from Sanskrit where "Pari" means "all around" and "ushana" means "burning." Thus, Paryushan signifies the burning away of all sins and karmic impurities.

• Observance and Timing: Paryushan falls in the middle of the Chaturmas (four-month rainy season retreat).

  • Digambara tradition: Observes it for ten days, from the fifth day of the bright half of Bhadrapada to the fourteenth day, known as Dashalakshana Paryushan.
  • Svetambara and other traditions: Observe it for eight days, starting and ending earlier than the Digambara observance.
  • The entire month of Bhadrapada is considered a period of spiritual awakening for the Jain community.

• The Ten Virtues (Dash Lakshana): The core of Paryushan observance lies in the practice and worship of ten virtues, which are considered the primary duties of humanity and symbols of the soul's infinite qualities. These are:

  1. Uttam Kshama (Supreme Forgiveness): The ability to bear suffering without animosity. It is described as a warrior's strength and the foundation of all virtues. It means not harboring anger even when wronged, and enduring suffering as the fruit of past karma.
  2. Mardava (Humility/Gentleness): Freedom from pride and arrogance related to lineage, caste, beauty, knowledge, or asceticism. It fosters sweet relationships and a spirit of helpfulness.
  3. Arjava (Honesty/Simplicity): Being free from deceit in mind, speech, and body, leading to pure and straightforward dealings with others, devoid of greed and cunning.
  4. Satya (Truthfulness): Speaking words that are beneficial and truthful, for the welfare of oneself and others. It emphasizes speaking pleasant and truthful words, avoiding what is true but unpleasant.
  5. Shaucha (Purity): Purity of heart achieved through the renunciation of greed. Inner purity is paramount, with external cleanliness being secondary. Purity arises from freedom from desire.
  6. Sanyama (Self-Control): Control over the senses and passions, as well as compassion for all living beings. This control leads to the subjugation of anger, attachment, and aversion.
  7. Tapa (Austerity): The cessation of all desires. It involves both external austerities (fasting, reduced intake, renouncing taste, selective eating, solitary living, physical mortification) and internal austerities (repentance, humility, service, self-study, meditation, and detachment). Internal austerity, particularly self-study (Swadhyay), is considered the highest form of Tapasya.
  8. Tyaga (Renunciation/Charity): The act of giving up or renouncing. It involves internal renunciation of enemies like anger and hatred, and external charity of food, clothing, medicine, and knowledge. Knowledge donation is considered the greatest form of renunciation.
  9. Akinchanya (Non-possession/Detachment): Not accumulating more than what is necessary and renouncing the rest. It is about contentment with what one has and detachment from worldly possessions and attachments, leading to fearlessness.
  10. Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity/Spiritual Pursuit): The pursuit of Brahman (the Self), meaning to dwell in one's own true nature. It is the ultimate goal and the means to immortality.

• The Five Duties (Panch Kartavya): Leading up to Paryushan, there are three days that serve as preparation. During these days, the significance of the festival is explained through stories. Alongside listening and contemplation, the practice of five duties is essential for the complete observance:

  1. Amar Parivartan (Vow of Non-Killing/Ahimsa): A public declaration of non-violence in thought, word, and deed.
  2. Sadharmik Vatsalya (Love for Fellow Believers): Showing affection and devotion to anyone who practices Ahimsa and truth, regardless of their background, and assisting them as much as possible.
  3. Kshama-apana (Seeking and Granting Forgiveness): A comprehensive form of forgiveness, understanding all beings as parts of the self and forgiving all known and unknown transgressions from the heart.
  4. Atttham Tap (Eight-Day Fast): A significant practice of austerity. True tapasya is defined not just by food restrictions but by the purification of senses and mind.
  5. Chaitya Paripati (Temple Circumambulation/Pilgrimage): During Paryushan, one should withdraw from worldly activities and engage in religious observances. This practice purifies the mind and prepares it for spiritual practice.

• The Culmination in Forgiveness (Kshama Vani): The entire journey of spiritual practice, beginning with the ten virtues, culminates in forgiveness. The festival ends with "Kshama Vani" (the day of forgiveness). This signifies the completion of the spiritual path, where the seeker experiences oneness with the world and views all beings with affection and forgiveness. The final day is dedicated to seeking forgiveness for any wrongs committed, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word, or deed, and extending forgiveness to all living beings. This fosters universal friendship and brotherhood.

Author's Message: Anwar Agewan, through this book, aims to convey the true spirit of Paryushan. He laments that many observe the festival merely as a tradition or for outward show, neglecting its profound inner meaning. He urges readers to understand the essence of the festival – self-discipline, penance, introspection, and the cultivation of virtues – and to practice them sincerely. He believes that by truly embracing the principles of Paryushan, individuals can achieve inner peace, fearlessness, and contribute to the welfare of all beings. The book serves as a guide for the Jain community to reconnect with the deeper spiritual purpose of this significant period.