Paryushan Ane Samvatsari - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text on Paryushan and Samvatsari, translated into English:

The text, "Paryushan ane Samvatsari" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, from the publication "Z_Jaindharma_no_Pran_002157.pdf", highlights the unique spiritual essence of Jain festivals, differentiating them from those driven by worldly desires, fear, greed, or amazement. The core purpose of all Jain festivals, regardless of their duration or association with specific events in the lives of Tirthankaras, is the purification and strengthening of knowledge and conduct.

Paryushan Parva (Festival of Forbearance):

Among the many significant Jain festivals, Paryushan is considered the most important, primarily because it incorporates the Samvatsari festival.
During these eight days (or ten days in the Digambara tradition), adherents strive to reduce worldly activities, increase austerity and penance, cultivate virtues like knowledge and generosity, and engage in actions that lead to both worldly and spiritual well-being.
A pervasive spiritual atmosphere descends, characterized by:
1. Reducing busyness and seeking leisure/retirement.
2. Exercising restraint over food, drink, and social gatherings.
3. Inclination towards listening to scriptures and self-reflection.
4. Proper reverence and devotion towards ascetics, renouncers, and fellow Jain community members (Sadharmiks).
5. Practicing the giving of fearlessness (Abhaydan) to all living beings.
6. Cultivating genuine friendship by forgetting past animosities.
Both the Shvetambara and Digambara traditions observe this period, though the Digambara tradition calls it "Dashalakshani" (Ten Virtues) and observes it for ten days, starting the day after the Shvetambara Paryushan concludes.
This period provides ample opportunity to reflect on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir. The text summarizes his core teachings, derived from his rigorous penance and applied to contemporary social conditions, into three main points:
1. Empathy: Consider the suffering of others as your own and shape your conduct accordingly, thus preventing the intrusion of violence and discord into life.
2. Renunciation for the greater good: Sacrifice personal comfort and convenience for the welfare of society, transforming attachment to possessions into beneficial action for the world.
3. Constant vigilance and introspection: Continuously monitor oneself to identify and correct faults arising from ignorance or weakness, thereby maintaining momentum in self-effort.

Samvatsari Mahaparva (The Great Annual Festival):

Samvatsari is the supreme festival, and its importance lies in its emphasis on self-reflection and introspection.
To experience true inner strength, maintain equanimity amidst difficulties and fortunes, and preserve the integrity of one's personality, the primary method is a detailed observation of every aspect of one's life activities.
The purpose of this introspection is to identify where, how, and with whom one has made mistakes, big or small. Recognizing one's errors, even minor ones, with sincere humility, makes them appear significant and unbearable.
Awareness of one's faults and shortcomings cultivates vigilance and wisdom. This, in turn, guides how one relates to others. This internal observation prevents fragmentation of consciousness.
This practice is not limited to ascetics but is essential for everyone, regardless of age, profession, or status, for personal success. By rectifying flaws, individuals progress and win the hearts of others.
Community Aspect: Beyond individual benefit, Samvatsari holds immense communal significance. The practice of confessing one's faults after introspection and sincerely seeking forgiveness from those wronged, and extending forgiveness to others, is crucial for societal health.
This is why Jain tradition emphasizes the practice of "khame-khamaave" (mutual forgiveness and tolerance) within local communities and with other communities. This practice extends to all followers of Jain tradition, including householders, ascetics, men, and women.
The principle of acknowledging and forgiving mistakes is not confined to intra-Jain relationships but extends to interactions with non-Jains as well.
The ultimate goal of this practice is universal compassion, even towards the subtlest of beings. If one is willing to be gentle even towards such beings, they must first resolve conflicts and clear misunderstandings with those with whom they have differences or have hurt feelings. This is the true essence of community-wide forgiveness.