Pratikramana An Austerity For Self Purification - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pratikramana an Austerity for Self Purification" by Dr. Ashok Kavad, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

The book "Pratikramana: An Austerity for Self Purification" by Dr. Ashok Kavad positions Pratikramana as a vital spiritual practice within Jainism, akin to windows and ventilators that bring in fresh air and light while expelling impurities from a house. Just as a house needs regular cleaning and occasional deep cleaning, the soul requires cleansing from accumulated impurities and karmic attachments.

The Core Concept of Pratikramana:

Meaning: Pratikramana, derived from "prati" (back) and "kramana" (to move), signifies "coming back to the original place" or "coming back within oneself." In the Jain context, it means returning to one's pure, original state when the soul transgresses the boundaries of vows or self-control.
Purpose: It is a process of self-analysis, introspection, and repentance for mistakes and transgressions, aiming to achieve equanimity of mind and right conduct. It helps in stopping the influx of new karmas and preserving pure conduct.
Analogy to House Cleaning: The text draws a parallel between cleaning one's physical home and purifying the soul. Daily cleaning removes minor dirt, while special occasions call for deeper cleaning. Similarly, the soul's impurities are removed through fivefold sadhanas.

The Fivefold Sadhana for Soul Purification:

The text outlines five essential practices for soul purification:

Alocana: Analyzing and identifying impurities within the soul.
Nindana: Repenting for the identified mistakes internally.
Garhana: Confessing sins, often before a spiritual master.
Pratikramana: The process of returning to the original state and repentance.
Prayaschitta: Repairing or expiating for the damage caused by transgressions.
- Alocana, Nindana, and Garhana are presented as the initial steps of introspection and confession.
- Pratikramana is described as the act of returning to one's pure state, and Prayaschitta is the remedial action for damage.

Pratikramana in Jain Scriptures:

Avasyaka Sutra: Pratikramana is identified as the fourth of the six essential daily observances (Avasyaka) mentioned in the 32nd Agama, the Avasyaka Sutra.
Definition: Tattvartha Sutra defines Pratikramana as repenting for a mistake, refraining from it, and remaining alert to prevent future errors. It is considered a subtype of Prayaschitta.
Historical Context: It is noted that during the periods of the first and last Tirthankaras, monks were expected to perform Pratikramana daily. For the intervening Tirthankaras, it was prescribed when transgressions occurred.

Classifications of Pratikramana:

The text categorizes Pratikramana in several ways:

Based on the nature of transgression:
- Returning from Mithyatva (wrong belief) to Samyaktva (right faith).
- Returning from Avirati (non-restraint) to Virati (restraint/vows).
- Returning from Pramada (negligence/carelessness) to Apramada (diligence).
- Returning from Kasaya (passions) to Samabhava (equanimity).
- Returning from Ashubha Yoga (inauspicious activities) to Shubha Yoga (auspicious activities).
Based on time intervals:
- Devasiya: Repentance for daily activities, done at sunset.
- Raiya: Repentance for nightly activities, done before sunrise.
- Paksika: Repentance for the past fortnight, done on the last day.
- Caumasiya/Chaturmasika: Repentance for the past four months.
- Samvatsariva/Samvatsarika: Repentance for the past year.
Based on the degree of sincerity:
- Dravya Pratikramana: A ritualistic observance without genuine repentance or determination to cease the sins.
- Bhava Pratikramana: The true and pure form, where the aspirant sincerely aims to cleanse the soul from transgressions, determined not to repeat them, and acts with alertness in mind, speech, and body.
Based on Sthananga Sutra: Six types are mentioned, including Uccara, Prasravana, etc. (specific details of these six are not elaborated).

Types of Lapses/Transgressions:

The text explains four types of lapses that Pratikramana helps address:

Atikrama: Mental resolution to violate a vow, though the vow is not yet broken.
Vyatikrama: Gathering means and resources with the intention to violate a vow; a step beyond Atikrama.
Aticara: Partial violation of a taken vow.
Anacara: Complete violation and lapsing of a vow.
- Atikrama, Vyatikrama, and Aticara are reviewed and repented for through self-analysis in Pratikramana to prevent repetition.
- Anacara, being complete violation, requires Prayaschitta (expiation).

The Structure of Pratikramana Sutra and Transgressions:

The Pratikramana Sutra has six chapters, including Samayika, Chaturvimsatistava, Vandana, Pratikramana, Kayotsarga, and Pratyakhyana. The text specifically mentions that 99 types of "aticaras" (violations) are explained within Pratikramana, covering transgressions related to right knowledge (14), right faith (5), vows of lay followers (60), karmic donations (15), and Samlekhana (5).

Significance and Benefits of Pratikramana:

The text highlights several key benefits of practicing Pratikramana:

Expiation of Sins: Lord Mahavira emphasizes that a primary benefit is the expiation of past sins.
Obviation of Transgressions: It helps in avoiding the violation of vows.
Stopping Influx of Karmas: By checking transgressions and impure activities, it prevents new karmic particles from attaching to the soul.
Preservation of Pure Conduct: It helps maintain and strengthen righteous behavior.
Practice of Pravacana Matas: It supports the practice of the eight spiritual exercises (five Samitis and three Guptis) essential for advanced meditation.
Removing Negligence (Pramada): It is a powerful tool to combat negligence, which is a major obstacle for spiritual aspirants.
Internal Penance: It acts as an internal penance to cleanse defects arising from negligence in vows.
Spiritual Strength: It is described as a great medicine for karmic diseases, developing resistance and acting as an energizer.
Attitude Change: It facilitates a return from perverted attitudes to right attitudes.

Conclusion:

The book concludes by reiterating that Alocana, Nindana, Garhana, Pratikramana, and Prayaschitta collectively purify the soul by removing transgressions and defects in conduct. These practices are presented as essential spiritual "windows and ventilators" for achieving soul purification. True expiation involves contemplating the soul and destroying mental impurities, conquering negative emotions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed with positive counterparts like forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, and contentment.