Pratikraman Ki Sarthakta - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pratikraman ki Sarthakta" by Sushma Singhvi, based on the provided PDF pages:

The article "Pratikraman ki Sarthakta" (The Significance of Pratikraman) by Dr. Sushma Singhvi emphasizes the importance of Bhav Pratikraman (internal, emotional repentance) over Dravya Pratikraman (external, ritualistic repentance). The author posits that the true essence of Pratikraman lies in cultivating a feeling of forgiveness and goodwill towards all beings.

Key Concepts and Definitions:

Pratikraman is described as a process that fulfills the aspiration: "I have left past sins and will not create new ones; therefore, I extend forgiveness and friendliness to all beings in the world." It is crucial for both ascetics (vrati) and laypeople (avrati) to become virtuous and for ascetics to purify their souls.
Pratikraman holds the fourth position among the six essential daily duties (shat avashyaka) in Jainism.
Pratikraman is categorized into three types based on time:
- Past Pratikraman: Repentance for past sinful actions (savdya yoga) committed through mind, speech, and body.
- Present Pratikraman: Adherence to samayika (equanimity) through mind, speech, and body to prevent current sinful actions.
- Future Pratikraman: Renunciation of future sinful actions through mind, speech, and body, known as pratikhhyan.
- Pratikraman is considered essential for the practice of samayika and pratikhhyan.
Etymological Meaning: The word "Pratikraman" is derived from "prati" (against/back) and "kram" (to move/step). It signifies returning from the path of sin, which is mistakenly considered favorable due to ignorance (mithyatva), to the path of righteousness (samyaktva), which may initially seem unfavorable.
Repentant vs. Repented: One who performs Pratikraman is called a "pratikramak" (the doer), and the sinful action that is repented is called "pratikrantavya" (the action).
Meaning of Pratikraman: It involves being ready for the cessation of transgressions (atichar nivrutti) and surrendering oneself through mind, speech, and body to one's guru or one's own soul for purification.
"Michchhami Dukkaḍaṁ": The phrase "Mithya me dushkṛtaṁ" (May my wrongdoing be false/nullified) is central to Pratikraman, signifying the confession and atonement for sins.

Two Types of "Michchhami Dukkaḍaṁ":

Dravya Michchhami Dukkaḍaṁ (External/Material Repentance): This is illustrated by the example of a young monk who repeatedly punctured a potter's pots and offered "Michchhami Dukkaḍaṁ" without genuine remorse, and was punished by the potter. This type of repentance lacks true benefit as the sin is repeated, and it reflects hypocrisy and deceit.
Bhav Michchhami Dukkaḍaṁ (Internal/Emotional Repentance): This is exemplified by the story of Queen Mrigavati. When she delayed her worship of Lord Mahavir and found herself alone in the dark, she was criticized by other nuns. She sincerely repented with "Michchhami Dukkaḍaṁ" and fell at the feet of Arya Chandana. Later, she developed intense remorse and attained Kevalgyan (omniscience) while trying to save Arya Chandana from a snake. Arya Chandana, upon realizing Mrigavati's spiritual attainment, also repented with "Michchhami Dukkaḍaṁ," leading to her own Kevalgyan. This demonstrates genuine inner remorse, self-condemnation, and the burning away of past actions through intense regret.

Eight Synonyms for Pratikraman:

The article discusses eight synonyms for Pratikraman, often elaborated upon using the six-fold method of analysis (nam, sthapna, dravya, kshetra, kaal, bhav) as explained in Haribhadra Suri's commentary on the Avasyak Niryukti:

Pratikraman (पडिकमणं): Returning to the right path.
Praticharan (पडिचरण): Moving towards good actions.
Pariharan (पडिहरण): Protecting oneself from vices.
Varna (वारणा): Restraining or prohibiting negative actions.
Nivritti (नियत्ती): Cessation from sinful conduct.
Ninda (निंदा): Self-criticism and condemnation of one's wrongdoings.
Garha (गरिहा): Expressing remorse and seeking forgiveness from others or the self.
Shuddhi (सोही): Purification of the soul.

These synonyms, while having nuances, ultimately convey the same core meaning of turning away from sin.

What is Repented (Pratikrantavya)?

According to the Mulachara, the objects of Pratikraman are:

Mithyatva: Wrong beliefs and views.
Asanyam: Lack of self-control, including violence.
Kashayas: Passions like anger, ego, deceit, and greed.
Aprashasta Yogas: Sinful actions through mind, speech, and body.

The essence of Pratikraman is not to perform, cause, or approve of these negative actions. They are likened to poison and are destructive. Pratikraman becomes easier for those who practice moderation in eating, speaking, sleeping, and possessions.

Pratikraman Sutra and its Significance:

The Pratikraman Sutra begins with auspicious verses (mangala) invoking the four supreme beings: Arihants, Siddhas, Sadhus, and the Jin-proclaimed Dharma. It then expresses the desire to repent for any transgressions committed throughout the day. The sutra lists specific transgressions for monks and laypeople, covering deviations from scripture, improper conduct, harmful thoughts, and violations of vows, meditation, and other practices. The core intention is to nullify all sins.

The article further details specific phrases and their meanings within the Pratikraman ritual, such as:

"Ichchhakarenaṁ" for repenting travel-related transgressions.
"Pagamsijjaye..." for repenting physical actions.
"Padikkamāmi... Gocharachariyaye..." for repenting conduct related to alms rounds.
"Padikkamāmi... Sajjhayassa..." for repenting academic or scriptural study related lapses.

It also mentions repenting:

Various forms of lack of control.
Attachment and aversion.
Sinful actions of mind, speech, and body.
Three types of impurities (trishalya: Maya, Nidan, Mithyadarshan).
Four types of kashayas, frivolous talk, and urges.
Four types of meditation (renouncing the first two - Arta and Raudra, and accepting the latter two - Dharma and Shukla).

The Purpose and Outcome of Pratikraman:

The ultimate purpose and result of Pratikraman are universal forgiveness (kshamā) and universal friendship (maitrī). It signifies seeking forgiveness from all beings, wishing that all beings forgive oneself, and ensuring no one experiences distress. The practitioner declares their friendship with all beings and the absence of enmity with anyone. This is achieved through the self-criticism, condemnation, and self-deprecation of past wrongdoings via mind, speech, and body, followed by veneration of the twenty-four Tirthankaras. The concluding verses encapsulate this sentiment: "I ask forgiveness from all souls, may all souls forgive me. I have friendship with all beings, I have enmity with none. Thus, I have repented through mind, speech, and body, and I venerate the twenty-four Jinas."