Pratikraman Sutra Ek Vivechan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pratikraman Sutra Ek Vivechan" by Saubhagyamal Jain, based on the provided PDF content:

The article "Pratikraman Sutra: Ek Vivechan" by Saubhagyamal Jain provides a detailed exploration of the concept and practice of Pratikraman within Jainism, elucidating its various facets and significance. The author emphasizes that attachment to the ephemeral body leads to a strong sense of self and worldly desires, obscuring the soul's pure consciousness. To remove the impurities of karma and attain soul purity, every aspirant must engage in self-study and practice.

The Essence of Pratikraman and its Context within the Six Avasyakas:

The core of the article lies in explaining Pratikraman as a crucial spiritual practice for the purification of the soul. It is presented as the fourth of the six essential daily duties (Shat Avasyakas) prescribed for both monks (shramans) and lay followers (shravaks). These six duties are:

Samayik (Equanimity): The first and most fundamental Avasyaka, aimed at achieving equanimity and mental stillness. It is considered the essence of fourteen purvas (ancient Jain scriptures) and helps in ceasing new karma bondage and achieving spiritual progress. It involves refraining from sinful activities and maintaining a balanced state of mind.
Chaturvimsati-stava (Praise of the Twenty-Four Tirthankaras): This practice involves praising the virtues of the Tirthankaras. It purifies the mind, calms desires, destroys accumulated karma, and instills spiritual strength and humility. It serves as a reminder of the ideal path of spiritual practice and helps overcome ego.
Vandan (Salutation/Reverence): This Avasyaka is dedicated to showing respect and reverence to the spiritual preceptors (Gurus). Gurus are seen as dispellers of ignorance and guides on the path to liberation. Vandan fosters humility, destroys ego, and strengthens devotion, leading to the shedding of lower karmic matter and the accumulation of higher karmic merit.
Pratikraman (Repentance/Retrospection): This is the central focus of the article. Pratikraman is defined as the act of turning back from evil or sinful actions and returning to one's true, pure state. It is a process of purifying transgressions of knowledge, perception, and conduct. The word itself signifies "returning to one's original place." The author details its importance in rectifying mistakes made due to negligence, impulses, or ignorance. It's likened to a cleansing process that removes the "dirt" of karmic impurities from the soul.
Kayotsarg (Abandonment of the Body): This practice involves detachment from the physical body, achieved through deep contemplation and concentration. It's described as a "wound treatment" for spiritual transgressions, helping to remove any lingering impurities not addressed by Pratikraman. It aids in reducing attachment to the body, fostering equanimity, and developing tolerance for pleasure and pain.
Pratyakhyan (Renunciation/Vow): The final Avasyaka, it involves renouncing future sinful activities. This act of taking vows or pledges, either before a Guru or oneself, is crucial for maintaining the purity achieved through the preceding Avasyakas. It curbs desires and cultivates virtues, leading to the cessation of new karmic influx.

Key Aspects of Pratikraman Explained:

Purpose: To purify the soul from transgressions against the three jewels (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct). It's a means to return to one's inherent pure state.
Etymology and Meaning: The term Pratikraman signifies "returning." It encompasses activities like alochana (confession), ninda (self-criticism), and pashchatap (remorse) to purify sins committed through mind, speech, and body. It's also identified with eight synonyms: Pratikraman, Praticharana, Pratiharana, Varana, Nivritti, Ninda, Garha, Shuddhi, all indicating repentance and purification.
Why Pratikraman is Necessary: It's considered a potent remedy for mental and spiritual ailments like anger, pride, deceit, and greed. Just as bathing cleanses the body, Pratikraman cleanses the soul of karmic impurities. Regular practice prevents the accumulation of spiritual "thorns" that hinder progress.
Self-Examination: Pratikraman involves daily introspection to ensure one is not straying from the path of Right Faith, not succumbing to passions, and not engaging in unwholesome actions.
Benefits: The text quotes Lord Mahavir, stating that Pratikraman helps close the gaps in vows, leading to a life free from sinful influx, adherence to the eight principles of Jainism, and ultimately, the attainment of liberation. It can even lead to the Tirthankara-ship.
Pratikraman of Whom and What: The article clarifies that Pratikraman should be performed for transgressions against vows (Mahavratas and Anuvratas), violations of conduct codes, doubts about fundamental Jain principles, and the endorsement of sinful acts.
Scope: It's not just about purifying past mistakes but also about preventing future ones through Samvar (restraint) and Pratyakhyan.
Types of Pratikraman:
- Dravya Pratikraman (Material): Mechanical recitation of texts without understanding or true remorse.
- Bhava Pratikraman (Mental/Spiritual): Conscious and heartfelt repentance, accompanied by true remorse and a resolve to change.
- Five Types based on root causes: Transgressions related to Mithyatva (false beliefs), Avrat (vowlessness), Pramad (negligence), Kashay (passions), and Ashubh Yoga (unwholesome activities).
- Three Types based on Time: Ateet (past), Vartaman (present), and Bhavishya (future).
- Five Types based on Specific Periods: Deysik (daily), Ratrik (nightly), Pakshik (fortnightly), Chaturmasik (quarterly), and Samvatsarik (annual).
- Six Types related to Monastic Life: Ucchar-Pratikraman, Prasravan-Pratikraman, Itvar-Pratikraman, Yavatsathik-Pratikraman, Yatkinchit Mithya-Pratikraman, and Swapnantik-Pratikraman.
Importance of Sincerity: Simply saying "Michha Mi Dukkadam" is insufficient. True repentance and a firm resolve to avoid recurrence are essential.

In conclusion, "Pratikraman Sutra: Ek Vivechan" highlights Pratikraman as the lifeblood of Jain spiritual practice. It's an indispensable ritual for refining one's life, involving deep self-reflection, honest confession, and a commitment to a virtuous path. The article emphasizes that through this practice, the aspirant can overcome flaws, purify the soul, and progress towards ultimate liberation.