Pratikraman

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pratikraman" by Ramanlal C. Shah, based on the provided PDF excerpts:

Pratikraman: A Comprehensive Summary

"Pratikraman" (also transliterated as Padikamanu) is a distinctive technical term in Jainism. It refers to the action of turning back or returning from sin. The term is etymologically derived from the prefix "prati" (meaning back, adverse, opposite, contrary) and the root "shram" (meaning to go, arrive, pass, ascend, enter, step). When the suffix "as" is added, it forms "kramana." Thus, "Pratikraman" literally means to "return to the original place."

In a deeper sense, Pratikraman signifies the soul's return to a state of auspicious conduct ("shubha yoga") after having deviated into inauspicious conduct ("ashubha yoga") due to negligence or heedlessness ("pramada"). More broadly, it encompasses repentance for sins, confession of transgressions ("aticharas"), rectifying faults, cessation of negativity, and seeking forgiveness for offenses.

Core Concepts and Definitions:

• Haribhadrasuri's definition: Pratikraman is the act of returning to one's own state ("swasthan") after having gone to a different state ("parsthan") due to negligence. It also refers to the soul's return from an acquired state ("audayika bhava") back to its original state of potentiality ("kshāyopashamika bhava").
• Other scriptural definitions highlight:
  • Returning to one's own religion, true nature, good conduct, and pure contemplation.
  • Expressing one's reaction by declaring past misdeeds as "mithyā" (false or incorrect).
  • Rectifying faults incurred during the day due to negligence.
  • Cessation of past faults.
  • Turning away from inauspicious activities undertaken by oneself.
  • The soul's return to auspicious conduct after transitioning to inauspicious conduct.
• Kundakundacharya's view: Pratikraman is when the soul separates itself from the good and bad states of karma accumulated in the past.

Universality of Repentance and Purification:

The text emphasizes that all religions worldwide prescribe some form of religious practice for the cessation of sin or the rectification of faults. Examples include:

• Vedic tradition: Sandhya Karma, a prayer for the expiation of sins committed through mind, speech, and body.
• Zoroastrianism (Parsi): A daily ritual of repentance for sins committed knowingly or unknowingly through mind, speech, and body.
• Buddhism: "Papadeshana" (confession of sins) or "Pravārana," a ritual where monks and nuns confess their sins collectively at fixed intervals.
• Christianity: Confessions and Retreats, focusing on introspection, silence, and prayer for purification.
• Islam: The ritual of "Taubah" (repentance).

The Inevitability of Faults and the Need for Pratikraman:

The text acknowledges that no human being is completely free from faults. Mistakes, both gross and subtle, are made knowingly or unknowingly in daily activities, thoughts, and interactions. This is especially true given the absence of omniscience. Even well-intentioned actions can have unintended negative consequences. While some mistakes lead to immediate worldly losses, others might bring temporary material gain but cause spiritual harm.

The act of self-reflection and identifying faults is the beginning of Pratikraman. This includes accepting one's mistakes, seeking penance (either self-imposed or prescribed by a guru), and resolving not to repeat them. Those who repeatedly commit faults after seeking forgiveness are considered hypocritical.

Pratikraman as a Form of Penance:

Jainism outlines ten types of penances ("prāyashchitta"), with Pratikraman being one of them. The ten types include: Ālochana (confession), Pratikraman, Mishra (mixed), Viveka (discrimination), Kāyotsarga (standing in equanimity), Tap (austerity), Chhand (vow), Moola (root), Anavashyāpya (non-abandonment), and Parānchita (expiation).

Pratikraman within the Six Essential Duties (Āvaśyaka):

Pratikraman is one of the six essential daily duties for a Jain practitioner, alongside Sāmāyika (equanimity), Chaturvimsati-stava (praise of the 24 Tirthankaras), Vandan (obeisance), Kāyotsarga, and Pachchakkhan (renunciation). It holds a central position among these duties, and its practice often incorporates elements of the other five. A Pratikraman ritual is typically at least two "ghadi" (48 minutes) long.

• Monks and nuns: Perform Pratikraman focusing on the five Mahavratas (great vows).
• Laypeople: Perform Pratikraman focusing on the five Anuvratas (minor vows) and twelve vows.

While monks are theoretically in a state of constant Sāmāyika, Pratikraman is still a vital practice. In the Digambara tradition, Sāmāyika receives greater emphasis, sometimes being used interchangeably with Pratikraman due to their similar objectives.

The Essence of Pratikraman: "Michchhāmi Dukkaḍam"

The core sentiment of Pratikraman is encapsulated in the phrase "Michchhāmi Dukkaḍam," which signifies seeking forgiveness for misdeeds. It's not enough to merely withdraw from inauspicious conduct; one must also engage in auspicious conduct. Performing Pratikraman without a genuine intention to cease the faulty behavior renders it a mere ritualistic act ("dravya pratikraman") rather than a true spiritual cleansing ("bhava pratikraman").

Types of Pratikraman:

The text details various classifications of Pratikraman:

• Based on Time:

  • Dēvasika (Daily): Performed at the end of the day for faults committed during the day.
  • Rātrika (Nightly): Performed in the early morning for faults committed during the night.
  • Pākshika (Fortnightly): Performed every fifteen days.
  • Chātumāsika (Four-monthly): Performed every four months.
  • Sānvatsarika (Yearly): Performed annually, also known as Samvatsari or Chhamachhari. These are considered more significant than daily Pratikraman and serve to purify any residual faults missed due to forgetfulness, shame, fear, mental dullness, or negligence.

• Based on Context (especially for Monks and Nuns, as per Sthānāṅga Sūtra):

  • Ucchāra Pratikramana: Following the expulsion of bodily waste.
  • Prasravaṇa Pratikramana: Following urination.
  • Itvara Pratikramana: For minor faults occurring over a short period.
  • Yāvakathita Pratikramana: For faults related to Mahavratas, undertaken with a resolution to cease them for life.
  • Yatkinchit Mithyā Pratikramana: For minor lapses in self-control due to negligence.
  • Svakāntika Pratikramana: For faults related to disturbing dreams or desires experienced in dreams.

• Other Classifications:

  • Āśrayadvāra Pratikramana
  • Mithyātva Pratikramana
  • Kaṣāya Pratikramana
  • Yoga Pratikramana
  • Bhāva Pratikramana

• Outamārdhika Pratikramana (Nishchaya Pratikramana): Pratikraman performed for an excellent purpose, such as during fasting or Sallekhana (the Jain practice of voluntary fasting unto death). This is contrasted with the daily rituals, termed "vyavahārika pratikramana." Outamārdhika Pratikramana leads to detachment from the body and increases self-absorption, serving as a tool for self-discrimination.

Synonyms and Related Concepts:

The term Pratikraman has eight synonyms: Pratikramana, Praticharaṇā, Pratīharaṇā, Vāraṇā (prevention), Nivṛtti (cessation), Nindyā (condemnation), Garhā (regret), and Śuddhi (purification). These terms emphasize different facets of the practice.

Pratikraman is linked to the past (seeking forgiveness for past faults). "Sanvara" relates to preventing faults in the present, and "Pachchakkhan" is a vow to avoid faults in the future.

Scope of Pratikraman:

Pratikraman applies to various aspects of Jain practice:

• Monks/Nuns: For faults in the five Mahavratas.
• Laypeople: For faults in the five Anuvratas and four supplementary vows (Shikshavratas).
• All practitioners: For faults in the five Acharas (conducts related to perception, knowledge, behavior, austerity, and spiritual effort) and the eighteen Pappasthanak (places of sin), including twenty-five types of wrong belief.
• Those undertaking Sallekhana: For the five transgressions associated with this vow.

Language of the Sutras:

While many Pratikraman sutras are in Ardhamagadhi, the ancient language of the Jain scriptures, there's a debate about translating them into modern languages to increase understanding and engagement. However, the text argues that the original Ardhamagadhi sutras maintain the unity of the Jain sangha across different regions and cultures. It emphasizes the inherent power and spiritual efficacy of these ancient texts, composed by revered Acharyas, and suggests that understanding the original language, even if initially challenging, fosters deeper faith and spiritual growth.

Observance Across Jain Sects:

While the fundamental spirit of Pratikraman is preserved across all Jain sects, there are variations in its ritualistic procedures between the Shvetambara and Digambara traditions, and further distinctions within different sub-sects (e.g., Murtipujak, Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi). These differences, however, do not diminish the core importance and objective of Pratikraman.

Significance and Conclusion:

Pratikraman is fundamental to Jain ethical conduct and serves as an invaluable tool for purifying the soul. It is considered the very lifeblood of virtuous behavior. Even if no faults are perceived, performing Pratikraman is an essential duty. It is likened to medicine that cures illness or strengthens a healthy body. The practice, originating from Lord Mahavir's time, has benefited countless souls. While the conceptual aspect of Pratikraman can be brief, the ritualistic practice ("dravya pratikraman") is a yogic discipline that requires consistent practice to maintain spiritual stability. Therefore, Pratikraman, performed with both sincere feeling and ritual, is indispensable for spiritual seekers.