Pratikraman Katipay Pramukh Bindu

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Pratikraman Katipay Pramukh Bindu" by Ranidan Bhansali:

This article, "Pratikraman: Certain Key Points," by Ranidan Bhansali, published in "Jinavani" on November 15th and 17th, 2006, delves into various aspects of the Jain ritual of Pratikraman, offering explanations and clarifications on its significance, components, and practices.

Core Meaning and Purpose of Pratikraman:

• Pratikraman is fundamentally about bringing the soul back to its original state (knowledge, perception, conduct, and austerity) from which it has deviated due to passions (kashaya) and activities (yoga).
• It means stepping back from sins and purifying oneself.

Detailed Breakdown of Key Concepts:

• Anuvratas (Lesser Vows): The article discusses the classification of the 12 Anuvratas based on the number of "karan" (means of action) and "yoga" (activities of mind, speech, and body) involved.
  • 1 Karan, 1 Yoga: 4th Anuvrata.
  • 1 Karan, 3 Yoga: 5th, 6th, 7th, and 10th Anuvratas.
  • 2 Karan, 3 Yoga: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th Anuvratas.
  • 12th Anuvrata (Atithi Samvibhag): Without specific karan or yoga in its core definition.
• Bhagas (Subdivisions/Aspects of Sins): The text links specific Bhagas to the Anuvratas based on karan and yoga. For example, the third Bhaga (not doing it by body) relates to 1 Karan, 1 Yoga, and the nineteenth Bhaga (not by mind, speech, or body) relates to 1 Karan, 3 Yoga. The 40th Bhaga (not doing, not causing to be done, by mind, speech, body) relates to 2 Karan, 3 Yoga.
• Time-Bound Vows:
  • Yaavajjeevan (Lifelong): 1st to 8th Anuvratas.
  • Yaavanniyam (As per discipline): 9th Anuvrata.
  • Yaavatah Ahnorat (Until the whole night/day): 10th and 11th Anuvratas.
• Types of Vows:
  • Viraman Vrat (Vows of abstention): 6 of them (1st to 5th and 8th Anuvratas).
  • Pariman Vrat (Vows of limitation): 6th Anuvrata.
• Specific Terms:
  • "Pajjusasami": Found only in the 9th and 11th vows because these signify the complete abandonment of sinful activities.
  • "Peyala": Appears in the first Anuvrata and the text for Darshan Samyaktva, meaning "principal" or "foremost."
• Origin and Scripture: Pratikraman is composed by the Ganadharas, and the Aavashyak Sutra is the 32nd Agama (scripture).
• Atithi Samvibhag (12th Anuvrata): This vow includes monks, nuns, devotees observing specific practices (Pratimadhari Shravak), and those receiving alms (Bhikshudaya).
• Renunciation of Anarthadanda (Unintentional/Sinful Actions): A Shravak renounces this in four ways:
  1. Abandonment of Artta Dhyana (anguished contemplation).
  2. Abandonment of negligent conduct.
  3. Renouncing provision of means for violent sins.
  4. Renouncing teachings that promote sinful actions.
• Pausadh (Temporary Fasting/Austerity): A Shravak observes this with four types of renunciation:
  1. Renunciation of food.
  2. Renunciation of sensual indulgence.
  3. Renunciation of bodily adornment.
  4. Renunciation of sinful activities.
• Night Meal Abstinence (7th Anuvrata): The lifelong abstinence from night meals is linked to the duration of the 7th vow, while one to two days of abstinence falls under the 10th vow.

Pratikraman in Practice and Specifics:

• Benefits of Pratikraman: According to the 29th chapter of Uttaradhyayan Sutra, Pratikraman closes loopholes in vows, stops influx of karma (asrava), and helps the practitioner remain vigilant in the "eight guidelines of teaching" (Pravachan Mata) and live with restraint (sanyam).
• Performing Pratikraman During Travel: It is permissible to perform Pratikraman while seated in a vehicle for a short period, observing Samvar (cessation of karma influx) for the duration of the journey. The text outlines the specific renunciations for Samvar in such cases.
• Pratikraman in Different Realms: Ascetics and Shravakas outside the area of the Adhai Dweepa (two and a half continents) who experience stable celestial bodies (moon and sun) perform Samayik and Pratikraman (in essence) based on past-life memory knowledge or clairvoyant knowledge.
• Kausagga (Meditation): The article refers to specific verses in the Aavashyak Niyukti and Pravachanasaroddhar that detail the duration of Kausagga for different Pratikraman periods (daily, nightly, fortnightly, quarterly, annual), measured in breaths.
• Pratikraman for Non-Vow Holders: It is incorrect to assume Pratikraman is only for those who have taken vows. Just as one must remove a thorn from the foot whether walking carefully or carelessly, or a hand will be burnt by fire regardless of awareness, Pratikraman involves self-criticism, acceptance of responsibility, asking for forgiveness, and self-study, making it beneficial even for those without formal vows.
• Duration of Pratikraman:
  • Minimum: One-fourth of the first "paurusi" (a period of time), approximately 36 minutes (based on the 26th chapter of Uttaradhyayan Sutra).
  • Maximum: One and a quarter hours. Nightly Pratikraman should be completed before sunrise, and daily Pratikraman should begin after sunset.
• Timing of Festival Pratikraman: Paushadh, Chaturmas, and Samvatsari Pratikraman are traditionally performed only in the evening. Only nightly Pratikraman is done in the morning.
• Binding Tirthankar Karma: Performing the six essential daily duties (Shadavasthyak) with devotion twice a day is crucial for accumulating merit, shedding karma, and binding Tirthankar nama karma.
• Deshavagashik Vrat (10th Anuvrata): This vow includes 14 rules, 3 desires (manorath), and short-term Samvar.
• Performing Pratikraman Individually vs. Collectively: While collective Pratikraman is possible, individual practice is considered more beneficial if one can remember the method.
• Pausadh Duration: The minimum duration is four prahars (a period of three hours), and it can extend to 8, 16 prahars, etc. A complete Pausadh includes a Chauvihar (abstaining from food, water, and activities). In a complete Pausadh, one should inspect their belongings three times.
• Aagars (Exceptions) in the 8th Anuvrata: These exceptions are understood to relate to the first to eighth vows, not solely the eighth.
• Significance of Chovisatthav (24 Tirthankar Stotra) and Logassa: The Kausagga performed before Pratikraman purifies the physical space, while the Logassa recitation purifies one's inner disposition by praising the Tirthankaras.
• Timing of Daily vs. Nightly Pratikraman: Nightly Pratikraman is completed before sunrise because after sunrise, ascetics engage in essential tasks like study, inspection, and travel. Jinakalpi monks are meant to travel from sunrise to sunset.
• Evolution of Stotras: The "Logassa" was known as "Chovisatthav" during the time of the 24th Tirthankar, and before that (from 1st to 23rd Tirthankaras), it was called "Utkirtan."
• Seeking Permission: Before each essential ritual within Pratikraman, permission should be sought by bowing three times ("Tikkhattō"). Devotees also bow before reciting specific verses like the 99 Aticharas.
• Practices to Avoid: Replacing recitations with counting Navkars or focusing on the 99 Aticharas is not recommended. Instead, one should focus on the full recitation of verses until concentration is achieved.
• Inclusion of Other Vows within the 10th Anuvrata: The 10th vow, in a broader sense, encompasses aspects of the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th vows.
• Benefits of Pausadh with Paurusi: Performing Paurusi on top of Samvatsari Pausadh yields the benefit of two eight-prahara Pausadhs, expiating sins committed unknowingly. Similarly, performing Paurusi after Chaturmas or Paakshik Pausadh expiates four months of unintentional sins and grants the benefit of an eight-prahara Pausadh.
• Distinction between Kshettavatthuppamanadkarmey (5th Anuvrata) and Kshettavuddhi (6th Anuvrata): The 5th vow relates to overstepping one's own owned land, while the 6th relates to overstepping the designated area of travel.
• Posture During Kausagga: Eyes should be neither fully closed nor fully open but partially open and partially closed.
• Four "Nixeps" (Categories of Objects): In the veneration of the fourth Tirthankar's name, there are four categories: name, establishment, substance, and essence.
• Four "Pramanas" (Sources of Knowledge): Scriptural authority, direct experience, analogy, and inference.
• Seven "Nayas" (Perspectives): Naigama, Sangraha, Vyavahara, Rujusutra, Shabda, Samabhirudha, and Eva Bhuta.
• Four "Mulasutras" (Root Scriptures): These are linked to the soul's core qualities: knowledge (Nandi Sutra), perception (Anuyogdwar Sutra), conduct (Dashavaikalik Sutra), and austerity (Uttaradhyayan Sutra).
• Meanings of Terms in the Fourth Verse of Veneration: To remind of forgotten verses, to correct errors in verses, and to teach new verses.
• Penalties for Late Pratikraman: If the sixth essential ritual (Pratyakhyan) is performed after the prescribed time (after sunrise), ascetics face one day of fasting, and laypeople observe one Samayik as penance. This is a matter of regulation rather than scriptural mandate.
• Karma Sins in the 7th Vow: Out of the 15 "karmadan" (activities leading to karma) related to the 7th vow, the 6th to 10th involve trade, while the other ten are purely actions.
• Immediate Effect of Pratyakhyan: In daily and nightly Pratikraman, the Pratyakhyans performed in the sixth essential ritual come into effect immediately upon recitation, regardless of whether it's Navkarsi, Paurusi, or any other vow.
• Dayavrat (Vow of Compassion): This 11th vow or the 10th vow's limited scope involves abstaining from sinful influxes. The Dayavrat emphasizes doing so to the best of one's ability through various activities. It's not encompassed within the 10th vow but rather in the 11th.
• Performing Pausadh for a Short Period: Consuming one meal or abstaining from all four meals for a short duration constitutes a partial Pausadh. The text mentions instances of Shravakas like Pushkali performing Pausadh while eating and drinking, which is referred to as "Dayavrata" today.
• Daily Observance of Vows: Those who have taken lifelong vows like Navkarsi or Paurusi must observe them daily. However, for the five vows of a layperson (like celibacy, non-stealing), daily repetition and observance are not required once taken lifelong.
• 124 Aticharas (Infringements) of Laypeople: These are broken down into infringements of the 12 vows (75), Samyaktva (5), Sanlekhana (5), Jnanachar (8), Darshanachar (8), Charitrachar (8), Tapachar (12), and Viryachar (3).
• 14 Aticharas of Knowledge: The first five are related to pronunciation, the next three to improper reading, and the remaining six to timing.
• Definitions of Karan and Yoga: "Karan" refers to the means of action (doing, causing to be done, approving). "Yoga" refers to activities (mind, speech, body).
• Items Offered to Monks/Nuns (12th Vow): Of the 14 items offered, eight (food, water, etc.) are non-returnable (Apratihāri), while six (like backrests) are returnable after use (Pratihāri).
• Benefit of Reciting Full Text for 99 Aticharas: It is more beneficial to recite the entire verse rather than just focusing on the numbering of the 99 Aticharas during meditation.

This comprehensive summary highlights the article's focus on the practical and theoretical aspects of Pratikraman within the Jain tradition, offering detailed explanations of vows, rituals, and their underlying principles.