Pratikraman Observance Of Self Reflection - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Pratikraman: Observance of Self-Reflection" by Pravin K. Shah, published by JAINA Education Committee, based on the provided text:

Core Concept: Pratikraman as Self-Reflection and Purification

Jainism posits that souls are inherently pure but accumulate impurities like ignorance (Mithyatva) and passions (Kashaya – anger, ego, deceit, greed) due to attachment and aversion. Pratikraman, meaning "to go back," is a central Jain practice for self-reflection, repentance, confession of sins, and seeking forgiveness. Its ultimate aim is to reduce and remove these impurities, leading to spiritual progress and liberation.

The Six Essential Daily Practices (Avashyaka)

Jainism prescribes six essential daily practices (Avashyaka) to purify the soul. Pratikraman is one of these, and the text explains each in detail, highlighting how they contribute to the overall goal of spiritual advancement.

Samayika (State of Equanimity): This involves maintaining a state of mental calmness and neutrality for a set duration, free from attachment and hatred towards all beings. It's about developing equal regard for all and equanimity towards pleasure and pain. During Samayika, one renounces worldly activities, controls mind, speech, and body, and can meditate on mantras like "Na-ham" (I am not that) and "So-ham" (I am that) to reinforce identification with the true, pure soul. Lay people perform a partial Samayika, with a minimum duration of 48 minutes, to gradually detach from external objects. The text details 32 faults of mind, speech, and body to avoid during Samayika, emphasizing a sincere and focused approach.
Chaturvimshati-Stava (Devotional Prayer to Tirthankaras): This involves reverential worship of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, reflecting on their qualities like detachment (Vitaragatva). It can be performed externally (Dravya) through idol worship or internally (Bhava) by praising their inherent virtues. Key sutras recited include Namutthunam (praising Tirthankara qualities), Logassa (worshipping all 24 Tirthankaras), and Jaya Viyaraya (devotional prayer).
Vandana (Respecting Ascetics): This practice involves paying respect to all ascetics (Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Sadhus, Sadhvis). It can be a simple bow ("Matthaena Vandämi") or a more formal interaction inquiring about their well-being and seeking forgiveness for any impoliteness. The text suggests the second type of Vandana is most practical for English-speaking Jains visiting ascetics.
Pratikraman (Repentance and Confession of Sins): This is the core practice of reviewing past actions, confessing minor violations of vows (Atichär) committed knowingly or unknowingly, and seeking forgiveness. It's a process of self-discipline to prevent future sinful acts.
- Types: Pratikraman can be performed daily (Rai Pratikraman for night, Devasi Pratikraman for day), fortnightly (Pakkhi), quarterly (Chaumasi), and annually (Samvatsari). Samvatsari Pratikraman, performed on the last day of Paryushan, is crucial for universal forgiveness and fostering friendliness.
- Dravya vs. Bhava:
  - Dravya Pratikraman: Performed merely to confess past sins without a genuine commitment to change. This is considered deceptive and harmful.
  - Bhava Pratikraman: Leads to a reduction or elimination of sinful activities in real life, thus purifying the soul. This is the beneficial form.
- Eligibility: The ritual is primarily for monks, nuns, and lay people who follow the 12 limited vows (Vratas). The text encourages all Jains to strive to adopt these vows to make Pratikraman meaningful.
- Integration: The term "Pratikraman" has evolved to encompass all six Avashyakas, allowing lay people to perform them together efficiently.
Kayotsarga (Non-attachment to the Body): This involves rising above bodily activities through meditation to focus on the inner self and develop non-attachment. It is achieved by giving up passions and is practiced by meditating on specific sutras after repentance.
Pratyakhyana or Pachchakhana (Taking Religious Vows): This is the act of taking religious vows for self-control and renunciation of sinful activities.
- Dravya Pratyakhyana: Renunciation of external things like food, possessions, and comforts.
- Bhava Pratyakhyana: Renunciation of internal impure states like ignorance, anger, greed, ego, and deceit. This is the true form of renunciation, leading to the stoppage of new karma and ultimate liberation.

Concluding Reflections

The Pratikraman ritual concludes with reflections on the true teacher (Sadguru), universal peace, universal friendship, and the spirituality of the self, achieved through reciting specific sutras.

Overall Message:

"Pratikraman: Observance of Self-Reflection" emphasizes the importance of daily introspection and spiritual practices in Jainism. By engaging in these rituals sincerely, particularly Pratikraman, individuals can purify their souls, mitigate negative karmic influences, and progress towards spiritual liberation, ultimately fostering a happier and more harmonious existence. The book aims to provide a clear understanding of these practices for English-speaking Jains.