Pratikraman Samanya Prashnottar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pratikraman Samanya Prashnottar" by P.M. Choradiya, based on the provided PDF pages:

Core Concepts of Pratikraman and Essential Observances

• What is Pratikraman? Pratikraman is the process of confessing and repenting for any faults or shortcomings incurred in the vows that have been accepted. It also involves taking precautions to prevent the recurrence of these faults.
• Literal Meaning: The literal meaning of Pratikraman is to "turn back from sins."
• Why is it an Essential Sutra? Just as daily activities like eating are essential for the sustenance of the body, Pratikraman is essential for strengthening the soul in the spiritual realm. Hence, it is called an essential sutra.
• Why is it called Utkalik Sutra? It is called Utkalik Sutra because it is recited during the transitional periods between day and night, and night and day.
• Six Essential Chapters: The essential sutra for Pratikraman has six chapters:
  1. Samayik (Meditation and Equanimity)
  2. Chaturvinshtistava (Praise of the 24 Tirthankaras)
  3. Vandana (Salutation)
  4. Pratikraman (Confession and Repentance)
  5. Kayotsarga (Abandonment of the Body/Self-Mortification)
  6. Pratyakhyan (Renunciation/Vow Taking)
• Benefits of Kayotsarga: The fifth essential observance, Kayotsarga, purifies the soul by expiating past and present sins, leading to both external and internal happiness.
• Purification through Observances: The observances that bring purity to Right Faith (Darshan) are Chaturvinshtistava and Vandana.

Objects of Pratikraman and the Nature of Sins

• What is Repented For? Pratikraman is performed for:
  • Mithyatva (False belief/Delusion)
  • Pramada (Negligence/Infatuation)
  • Kashaya (Passions: anger, pride, deceit, greed)
  • Avrat (Non-observance of vows)
  • Ashubhayoga (Unholesome activities of mind, speech, and body)
• Repenting for Mithyatva: Mithyatva is repented for through the recitation of texts related to Right Faith (Darshan) and the eighteen types of sinful activities.
• What is Ashubhayoga? Ashubhayoga refers to thinking evil thoughts, speaking harsh words, and performing sinful deeds through mind, speech, and body.
• The 18 Types of Sin: The text discusses the 18 types of sin, stating that understanding their nature is crucial for renouncing them.
• Strongest Sin: The most potent sin among the 18 is Mithyadarshan Shalya (the spear of false belief).

Categories and Practices of Pratikraman

• Types of Pratikraman by Time: According to Acharya Bhadrabahu Swami, Pratikraman is categorized into three types based on time:
  1. Repenting for sins committed in the past.
  2. Stopping sins from occurring in the present through Samayik and Samvara (restraint).
  3. Preventing sins from occurring in the future through Pratyakhyan.
• The Meaning of "Ichhami Nan Bante": This recitation in Pratikraman signifies a pledge to perform Pratikraman and to undertake Kayotsarga to reflect on any lapses in knowledge, perception, or conduct.
• Atichara vs. Anachara:
  • Atichara: A partial violation or transgression of a vow. It is a fault incurred due to forgetfulness or doubt about the vow.
  • Anachara: A complete breaking or violation of a vow.
• The Meaning of "Ichhami Thami": This recitation is made to neutralize any faults or violations of vows through Kayotsarga. It is recited five times aloud during Pratikraman.
• Symbolism in "Ichhami Thami": The letters in "Ichhami Thami" represent the twelve vows of a householder: five minor vows (Anuvratas), three vows of improvement (Gunavratas), and four vows of training (Shikshavratas).
• The Meaning of "Mitschami Dukhadam": It means "May my sins become fruitless."
• Why is Doubting Jain Teachings a Fault? Doubting the teachings of the Jinas reduces faith. A person lacking faith is prone to falling away from religion. While legitimate curiosity can be satisfied, baseless doubt cannot.

Specific Vows and Practices

• Vows of Restraint (Viraman Vrata): Vows 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 are considered vows of restraint.
• Fourth Anuvrata: The fourth vow, Methuna Viraman Vrata (restraint from illicit sexual conduct), is the one that nurtures spiritual qualities.
• Why is Parigraha (Possessiveness) the Root of Sin? Desires are infinite, like the sky. As one gains, greed increases. Possessiveness is the greatest bondage for all beings, causing great unrest, conflict, dishonesty, theft, and violence.
• Karmadan: Karmadan refers to occupations that lead to the binding of intense karmas. It is also defined as earning a livelihood through occupations involving significant violence.
• Bhaadi Karma and Phodi Karma:
  • Bhaadi Karma: Earning fare from vehicles like carts and horses.
  • Phodi Karma: Earning a livelihood by digging mines and breaking stones.
• Anarthadanda: Anarthadanda refers to actions that are not beneficial to oneself, family, or friends, have no purpose, and unnecessarily lead to the soul being punished by sins.
• Samayik vs. Paushadh Vrata:
  • Samayik: Lasts for only one Muhurta (approximately 48 minutes) and requires renouncing sleep.
  • Paushadh Vrata: Lasts for at least four Praharas (12 hours) and allows for sleep and unavoidable activities like bodily cleansing.
• Why Can't an Animal Observe the 12th Vow? Animals cannot practice charity, and therefore cannot observe the 12th vow (charity/gift-giving).
• Cleansing Spiritual Qualities: The recitation of the "Badi Sanlekhana Vrata" in Pratikraman helps to polish one's inner qualities.
• Sanlekhana: Sanlekhana is preparatory practice for Samadhi Maran (a peaceful and conscious death). It weakens passions, reduces worldly attachment, promotes spiritual upliftment, and leads to a higher rebirth through noble thoughts.

Auspiciousness and Specific Recitations

• Four Mangalas (Auspicious Entities): Arihant, Siddha, Sadhu (monks), and the religion propagated by Kevali (omniscient beings) are considered auspicious. Remembering, hearing about, or taking refuge in them destroys all sins and removes obstacles.
• Prayashchitta Sutra and its Meaning: The recitation for atonement is "Devasiya-payacchitta-visohanaṭṭham karemi kaurasaṁ." The meaning is: "For the purification of atonement related to the day, I perform Kayotsarga."
• Purpose of Pratyakhyan: Pratyakhyan is performed to maintain control over the mind and prevent the recurrence of faults after confessing them during Pratikraman.
• Concluding Sutra: The concluding sutra of Pratikraman is "Tassa Dhammassa Kevalipanaṭṭassa."
• Bonding of Tirthankar Karma: If both the giver and recipient are pure and excellent spiritual offerings are made, the auspicious karma of generating Tirthankar name-gotra is bound through the vow of Atithi Samvibhag Vrata (honoring guests/worthy recipients).

Differences in Shvetambar Tradition

• Monk vs. Householder Pratikraman: The fundamental difference between the Pratikraman of monks (Shramanas) and householders (Shravakas) in the Shvetambar tradition lies primarily in the recitation of transgressions (Atichara) related to minor vows (Anuvratas) and major vows (Mahavratas). The scriptural basis for monk Pratikraman is the Avasyak Sutra, while for householder Pratikraman, it is the Upaasakadashanga Sutra, which details the five minor vows, three vows of improvement, and four vows of training for householders and their transgressions.
• Acharya Shri Jaymal Ji Maharaj: Acharya Shri Jaymal Ji Maharaj of the Sthanakvasi tradition is mentioned as a highly accomplished acharya who memorized all the Pratikraman recitations in less than one Prahar while standing.

This summary covers the key definitions, objectives, practices, and philosophical underpinnings of Pratikraman as presented in the provided text.