Pratikraman Ek Vihangam Drushti

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pratikraman: Ek Vihangam Drushti" by Dr. Bimla Bhandari, based on the provided pages:

The article "Pratikraman: Ek Vihangam Drushti" (Pratikraman: A Bird's Eye View) by Dr. Bimla Bhandari highlights the profound significance of Pratikraman within Jain philosophy and practice. The editor's note sets the tone by stating that no amount of material charity, even if the entire Jambudvipa (a mythical continent) were made of gold and sand turned into jewels, could achieve the same level of self-purification as Pratikraman.

Core Concepts:

• Jain Philosophy's Practicality: Jainism is recognized for its practical approach to life, with Lord Mahavir achieving enlightenment and guiding humanity towards liberation from suffering. He established the fourfold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen).
• Importance of "Avashyak" (Essential Duties): The Avashyakasutra is a crucial text in Jainism, dealing with essential duties. These are actions fundamental for self-development, self-reliance, and self-prosperity. The text defines Avashyak as that which enables a soul devoid of inherent qualities to reside in noble states, or as the abode of all virtues. Performing these essential duties with firm resolve leads to self-welfare.
• Human Agency and Karma: The article emphasizes the significant role of human effort. Our current state is a result of our own actions. Souls are bound by karma, and this journey continues eternally. Humans often err; the article quotes the saying, "Man is a bundle of mistakes."
• Pratikraman as a Remedy for Mistakes: Just as forgetting is human, forgiving is divine. To manifest this divine quality, Pratikraman is presented as a necessary ritual for humans in the morning and evening.
• Definition of Pratikraman: Pratikraman literally means to "turn back" or "return." It is the act of turning back from deviating from one's true nature (knowledge, perception, conduct) towards passions (attachment, aversion, etc.) and returning to one's inherent self.
• Pratikraman, Samvara, and Nirjara: Through mindful Pratikraman, one engages in self-control (Samvara) by restraining influx of new karmas. This involves repenting past faults, preventing current faults, and through ascetic practices (tapas), achieving the shedding of past karmas (Nirjara). This includes vows like Pratyakhyana (vow of abstention) to prevent future errors.
• Universality of Pratikraman: Pratikraman is considered an "Avashyak" (essential) for both monks and lay followers. While monks, who observe complete vows (Sarvavirati), must perform it twice daily, lay followers (Deshvirati) also need to perform it daily.
• Pratikraman for the Untrained (Avrati): Even those who haven't taken formal vows (Avrati) should perform Pratikraman. It's not solely for purifying transgressions (aticharas). The text quotes a verse from the Vandittu sutra, stating that Pratikraman is done for:
  • Committing forbidden acts.
  • Not performing prescribed duties.
  • Lacking faith in Jain teachings.
  • Misrepresenting truths. These reasons apply to all individuals, regardless of their level of observance, including those with wrong perceptions (Mithyadrushti), partial vows (Deshvirati), or complete vows (Sarvavirati). Therefore, Pratikraman is essential for everyone.
• Pratikraman as Medicine: Pratikraman is likened to medicine. Daily consumption cures existing ailments (passions/kashayas) and, when healthy, prevents future illnesses. It purifies faults and, in their absence, further refines one's mental state and conduct.
• Pratikraman as the First Step to Samadhi: A scholar likens Pratikraman to the process of transforming from a "man" to a "Narayana" (a divine being), calling it the initial stage of meditation. It is through Pratikraman that true equanimity (Samayika), balance (Samata), and profound concentration (Samadhi) are achieved, leading one towards renunciation.
• The True Value of Pratikraman (Parable): The article reiterates the opening statement with a verse: Even if all the mountains of Jambudvipa turned to gold and its sand to jewels, and these were gifted across seven regions, the purification achieved would not equal that gained through heartfelt confession and undergoing penance (Pratikraman).
• Pratikraman and Self-Improvement: The text emphasizes that sincere confession and taking penance, even if death occurs before completing it, leads to spiritual advancement (Aradhaka). Conversely, impure confession makes one a transgressor (Viradhaka).
• Obstacles to Pure Confession: The article warns against those who fail to confess sincerely to their spiritual guide due to:
  • Shame.
  • Pride (thinking oneself highly virtuous or knowledgeable, fearing a loss of status).
  • Fear of losing their vast knowledge. Such individuals, the text states, are not true aspirants (Aradhaka).

In essence, Dr. Bimla Bhandari's article presents Pratikraman not merely as a ritual but as a fundamental and vital spiritual practice in Jainism, essential for self-purification, ethical conduct, and ultimately, the attainment of spiritual liberation. It is a continuous process of self-reflection, remorse for past actions, and commitment to a righteous path, applicable and beneficial to all individuals, irrespective of their current spiritual standing.