Pratikraman Ki Upadeyta - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pratikraman ki Upadeyta" by Arun Mehta, based on the provided PDF content:

The article, "Pratikraman ki Upadeyta" (The Utility of Pratikraman) by Arun Mehta, published in Jinavani, discusses the meaning, necessity, timing, and benefits of Pratikraman, a fundamental practice in Jainism.

Meaning of Pratikraman:

Pratikraman, derived from "prati" (backwards) and "kraman" (to move), signifies returning to one's rightful path or boundary. It is the act of:

Returning to the observance of vows and rules after their transgression.
Shifting the soul from negative tendencies (ashubh yoga) back to positive ones (shubh yoga).
Guiding the soul away from ignorance (mithyatva), non-restraint (avirati), negligence (pramada), passions (kashay), and negative impulses (ashubh yoga) towards right faith (samyagdarshan), right knowledge (gyan), and right conduct (charitra).
Confessing and repenting for past sins, with a resolution not to repeat them.
It is described as a "self-bath" that purifies the soul and makes it lighter.

Necessity of Pratikraman:

Just as a thorn in the foot or dust in the eye impedes progress, transgressions of vows and rules create obstacles in the spiritual path. Pratikraman is essential for purifying these errors and ensuring continuous progress in conduct.

Types of Pratikraman:

There are two main types of Pratikraman:

Dravya Pratikraman (Material Pratikraman): This is performed without deep internal contemplation or focus on the purification of faults. It is done conventionally, perhaps with the desire for good karmic results, or by reciting scriptures without true understanding or engagement. It is a ritualistic performance.
Bhava Pratikraman (Internal/Intentional Pratikraman): This is performed with inner concentration, without any worldly or other-worldly desires, solely for the purpose of purifying the soul according to Jain scriptures. It involves recognizing transgressions committed due to negligence as unacceptable and maintaining vigilance to avoid them in the future.

The Relationship Between Dravya and Bhava Pratikraman:

Bhava Pratikraman is the true source of benefit and karmic shedding (nirjara).
Dravya Pratikraman without Bhava Pratikraman yields no real spiritual gain.
However, Dravya Pratikraman is the fertile ground upon which Bhava Pratikraman can flourish. One must progress from material to intentional Pratikraman.

When to Perform Pratikraman:

Pratikraman should be performed immediately after a transgression occurs or when its awareness dawns.
The sooner Pratikraman is done, the quicker the soul is purified.
Delaying Pratikraman allows the soul to remain tainted and continue accumulating sin through approval of the fault.

Types of Pratikraman Based on Time:

According to Jain scriptures, Pratikraman is categorized into five types based on the frequency of performance:

Daivasik (Daily): Repentance for errors made during the day is done in the evening, and for errors of the night, in the morning.
Ratrik (Nightly): Covered under Daivasik, errors of the night are repented in the morning.
Pakshik (Fortnightly): Any remaining errors not rectified daily are addressed at the end of a fifteen-day period (Paksha).
Chaturmasik (Quarterly): If errors persist after Pakshik Pratikraman, they are addressed at the end of the Chaturmas (four-month period).
Samvatsarik (Annual): Any subtle or gross errors that still remain are purified through Samvatsarik Pratikraman at the end of the year. This is considered crucial for settling past accounts, pacifying passions, and cultivating humility.

The Need for Different Timings:

Human nature, being prone to mistakes due to inherent limitations, necessitates these various timings.
Sometimes, due to ego or anger, individuals may not immediately repent for their faults, and it can take time for the mind to calm down and realize the error. The different timings cater to this gradual process of self-awareness and repentance.

Importance of Regular Pratikraman:

It is incorrect to assume that only Samvatsarik Pratikraman is important.
Many sins and transgressions committed throughout the year may not be recalled at year-end due to forgetfulness.
Just as cleaning a house only once a year would lead to extreme dirt, neglecting regular Pratikraman leads to a buildup of mental impurities.
Jain scriptures emphasize that monks who commit transgressions must immediately perform Pratikraman and penance before engaging in activities like eating, traveling, or studying scriptures.
Failing to perform even Samvatsarik Pratikraman with pure intentions can lead to the strengthening of "anantanubandhi" (endless) passions, potentially jeopardizing right faith.

Pratikraman for Everyone:

The article strongly advocates that Pratikraman is beneficial and necessary for all individuals, not just those who have taken vows. The reasons include:

Understanding Vows: It deepens the understanding of the true nature of vows and strengthens the intention to take them for those who are not yet bound by them.
Stability in Vows: It fosters stability and firmness in observing vows.
Addressing Faults of Knowledge and Faith: The texts of Pratikraman also include criticisms of transgressions related to right faith and knowledge, as well as the eighteen major sins, which are relevant for everyone.
Avoiding Unethical Actions: It enhances awareness of and the resolve to avoid unrighteous actions (karmaadana) and other unethical practices.
Correcting Misconceptions: It involves repenting for not having faith in the words of the liberated ones (Vitaraag) or for misinterpreting principles, and for neglecting essential practices like scripture study and meditation.
Relevance of the Fourth Essential: Among the six essential duties (Aavashyak) in Jainism, Pratikraman is the fourth, and while it focuses on vows, the other essential duties are also applicable to non-vow-holders.
Beneficial Use of Time: The time spent in Pratikraman is spent in auspicious activities, protecting the individual from sinful actions and karmic bondage for that duration.
Scripture Study: It facilitates scripture study.
Spiritual Growth: It promotes the advancement of spiritual conduct.
Acquiring Tirthankar-Gotra: Performing Pratikraman with pure intentions in the present era can lead to the accumulation of Tirthankar-Gotra (the karma that leads to becoming a Tirthankar).

In essence, the article underscores Pratikraman as a vital and universally beneficial practice for spiritual purification, progress, and the ultimate liberation of the soul.