Pratikraman Sutra

This Jain text, "Pratikraman Sutra" by Shravak Bhimsinh Manek, is a comprehensive guide to Jain religious practices, particularly focusing on the rituals and principles of pratikraman (repentance and atonement). Here's a summary of its key aspects:

Core Concept: Pratikraman

The text defines pratikraman as a fundamental religious duty (ashayavashyak) for Jains, especially for householders. It's described as the act of returning to the right path after deviating due to ashubh yoga (unfavorable actions) caused by delusion (mithyatva), lack of restraint (sanyam), or passions (kashay). It emphasizes the importance of performing pratikraman in relation to past, present, and future actions, highlighting its role in spiritual purification and progress.

The Six Essential Duties (Shatavashyak)

The book explains that pratikraman is part of the six essential daily duties for Jains (Shatavashyak). It briefly describes each of these duties:

1. Samayika: Achieving equanimity and spiritual focus, often through meditation, to overcome negative thoughts and emotions.
2. Chaturvinshtistava: Chanting and meditating on the virtues of the 24 Tirthankaras.
3. Vandanaka: Showing respect and performing obeisance to spiritual leaders and revered beings.
4. Pratikraman: Repentance and atonement for sins or transgressions.
5. Kayotsarga: Standing still in contemplation, often in a specific posture, to detach from the body and its sensations.
6. Pashyakhyana: Taking vows or resolutions for specific periods, often related to fasting or other austerities.

Purpose and Significance of Pratikraman:

• Spiritual Purification: The primary goal is to purify the soul by acknowledging and rectifying mistakes, thereby reducing the accumulation of negative karma.
• Attaining Righteousness: It helps individuals return to the righteous path and uphold their spiritual commitments.
• Daily Religious Practice: The text suggests that pratikraman is beneficial for all Jains to perform daily, ideally during twilight hours.
• Universality: It clarifies that even those who haven't taken formal vows can perform pratikraman, as it helps in overcoming mental transgressions and cultivating virtues. The text uses analogies to explain the importance of these practices for all, regardless of their current spiritual level.

Types of Pratikraman:

The book mentions five types of pratikraman:

1. Dainik (Daily): Performed every day.
2. Ratrika (Nightly): Performed during the night.
3. Pashika (Fortnightly): Performed every fortnight.
4. Chaturmasika (Quarterly): Performed every four months during the monsoon season.
5. Samvatsarika (Annual): Performed once a year, often considered the most significant.

Detailed Rituals and Procedures:

A significant portion of the text is dedicated to outlining the specific rituals and procedures for various practices, particularly Paushadha (a day of fasting and strict observance). This includes detailed instructions on:

• Paushadha Vrata: How to take and observe the paushadha vow, including what to eat, avoid, and the specific timings.
• Morning Routines: Performing pratikraman before engaging in other daily activities.
• Deva Vandana: The proper way to pay homage to deities and revered figures, including specific mantras and postures.
• Interactions with Gurus: The respectful way to approach and interact with spiritual teachers, including seeking permission and acknowledging their guidance.
• Other Practices: The text also touches upon other practices like sajaya (recitation of scriptures), kāyotsarga (standing contemplation), and pachhakhyana (taking vows).

Explanation of Key Terms and Concepts:

The book also serves as a glossary of sorts, explaining the meaning and significance of various Jain terms and rituals within the context of pratikraman. This includes explanations of sajaya, prashraman, samayika, and the proper pronunciation and meaning of the Navkar Mantra.

Structure and Content:

The text is structured with a table of contents (Anukramanika) that lists numerous chapters and stanzas, indicating a vast collection of Jain literature within this book. It includes detailed explanations of verses from various Jain scriptures, often with explanations of the underlying principles and reasoning. The emphasis on Navkar Mantra and Deva Vandana suggests its importance in daily devotional practices.

Publisher and Date:

The book was printed in Samvat 1962 (1906 CE) by Shravak Bhimsinh Manek in Mohamayi Pattanam at the Nirnaysagar Press. It explicitly states that all rights are reserved by the owner as per the law of 1867.

Overall, "Pratikraman Sutra" is a devotional and instructional text aimed at guiding Jains in their daily spiritual practices, emphasizing repentance, purification, and devotion to the core principles of Jainism.