Shraman Pratikraman - Book Summary

This document is a Jain text titled "Shraman Pratikraman" (श्रमण प्रतिक्रमण), authored by Acharya Tulsi and Acharya Mahapragna, and published by Jain Vishva Bharati. It focuses on the practices and principles of daily atonement and reflection for Jain monks (Shramanas).

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text:

1. Purpose and Compilation:

The book is a systematized compilation of the "Shraman Pratikraman" (monastic atonement) practices.
The idea was conceptualized for a long time and materialized during the Balotra Chaturmas (1983) in the presence of Acharya Shri Tulsi.
It presents the revised original text with Sanskrit explanations, Hindi translations, and a contextual understanding (Bhavarth).

2. Core Concept of Pratikraman:

Pratikraman is a fundamental practice for Jain monks, involving introspection, confession, and seeking forgiveness for any transgressions or shortcomings in their spiritual conduct.
It is a process of self-purification and a means to uphold the Jain vows and principles.

3. Key Sections and Practices:

The book is structured with various sutras (scriptural verses) and sections covering different aspects of Pratikraman and related spiritual practices:

Samayiyam (सामाइयं): This section focuses on the fundamental practice of Samayika, which involves equanimity, restraint of senses, and meditation. It includes:
- Aavassai-Suttam (आवस्सई-सुत्तं): A call to begin the essential daily duties and the intention to perform Pratikraman and Kayotsarga for the atonement of transgressions related to knowledge, perception, conduct, and penance.
- Namumkkar-Suttam (नमुक्कार-सुत्तं): The Navkar Mantra, a foundational mantra of reverence to the five supreme beings in Jainism (Arhats, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus).
- Samaiy-Suttam (सामाइय-सुत्तं): The declaration of performing Samayika, renouncing all sinful activities through mind, speech, and body, and seeking atonement for past transgressions.
- Aaloyan-Suttam (आलोयण-सुत्तं) & Kaoussa-peinna Suttam (काउस्सग-पइण्णा सुत्तं): Sections related to confession and meditative posture.
Chauvisatthavo (चउवीसत्थओ): This is a significant section praising the twenty-four Tirthankaras (Jinas).
- Chauvisatthav-Suttam (चउवीसत्थव-सुत्तं): A hymn that enumerates and praises all the Tirthankaras, seeking their blessings for spiritual progress, health, and liberation. It describes them as luminous, path-showers, and embodiments of purity.
Vandanayam (बंदणय-सुत्त): This section describes the act of veneration and seeking forgiveness from spiritual preceptors.
- Vandana seeking forgiveness: The monk seeks permission to venerate the Guru, requests not to disturb them, and asks for forgiveness for any discomfort caused by the physical act of bowing. It includes inquiries about the Guru's well-being and an apology for any daily transgressions.
Padikkamanam (पडिक्कमणं): This is the core section detailing the process of atonement for various types of transgressions. It includes specific sutras for:
- Gnanatiyar-Suttam (णाणाइयार-सुत्तं): Atonement for transgressions related to knowledge (Agam Sutra).
- Darshanatiyar-Suttam (दंसणाइयार-सुत्तं): Atonement for transgressions related to right faith (Sammyaktva).
- Tassa Savvas-Suttam (तस्स सव्वस्स सुत्तं): A general atonement for all daily transgressions.
- Namumkkar-Suttam, Samaiy-Suttam, Mangal-Suttam (नमुक्कार-सुत्तं, सामाइय-सुतं, मंगल-सुत्तं): Recitation of the Navkar mantra, Samayika declaration, and auspicious verses.
- Padikkaman-Suttam (पडिक्कमण-सुत्तं): A comprehensive atonement for various transgressions related to conduct, vows, mind, speech, and body.
- Iriyavahiy-Suttam (इरियावहिय-सुत्तं): Atonement for harm caused to living beings during movement (walking, etc.).
- Sejj-Aiyaram-Padikkaman-Suttam (सेज्जा-अइयार-पडिक्कमण-सुत्तं): Atonement for transgressions related to the monastic dwelling and sleep.
- Goyar-Aiyaram-Padikkaman-Suttam (गोयर-अइयार-पडिक्कमण-सुत्तं): Atonement for transgressions related to alms-round (bhiksha) and accepting food.
- Sajjhayadi-Aiyaram-Padikkaman-Suttam (सज्झायादि-अइयार-पडिक्कमण-सुत्तं): Atonement for transgressions related to scriptural study and other duties.
- Egavidhadi-Aiyaram-Padikkaman-Suttam (एगविधादि-अइयार-पडिक्कमण-सुत्तं): Atonement for a wide range of transgressions covering various classifications of sins, vows, senses, emotions, etc. (This is a very extensive section, listing numerous categories of transgressions).
- Niggamthapavane Thirikaran-Suttam (निग्गंथपावयणे थिरीकरण-सुत्तं): A verse affirming faith and commitment to the true Jain path.
- Khameami (खामेमि): A prayer for universal forgiveness and seeking forgiveness from all beings.
- Vandanayam (वंदणय-सुत्तं), Panchpad Vandana (पंचपद वन्दना), Khamana-Suttam (खामणा-सुत्तं): Further acts of veneration and seeking forgiveness, including specific apologies for daily and fortnightly (pakshik) transgressions.
Kaousssargo (काउस्सग्गो): This section describes the practice of Kayotsarga, a meditative posture involving stillness and introspection for self-purification.
- Aiyar-Visohan-Suttam (अइयार-विसोहण-सुत्तं): Intention to perform Kayotsarga for purifying daily transgressions.
- Namumkkar-Suttam, Samaiy-Suttam, Aiyar-Chitan-Suttam, Kaoussa-peinna Suttam (नमुक्कार-सुत्तं, सामाइय-सुत्तं, अइयार-चितण-सुत्तं, काउस्सग-पइण्णा-सुत्तं): Recitation of mantras and the process of entering and completing Kayotsarga, with specific exclusions of natural bodily functions.
Pachchakkhan (पच्चक्खाणं): This section deals with renunciation and vows.
- Aiyam Padikkami Ami (अईअं पडिक्कमामि): A declaration to atone for the past, control the present, and renounce the future.
- Pachchakkhan-Suttam (पच्चक्खाण-सुत्तं): Various forms of renunciation, including food (all types) and general activities, especially at sunrise.
- Sakkatthui (सक्कत्थुई): A hymn of praise and salutation to the Arhats.

4. Supporting Sections:

Parishisht 1 (परिशिष्ट १): Details transgressions related to Knowledge, Perception, Conduct, Penance, and Effort.
Parishisht 2 (परिशिष्ट २): The Panchpad Vandana (veneration of the five supreme beings).
Parishisht 3 (परिशिष्ट ३): The 84 Lakh Life Forms, highlighting the vastness of life and the need for non-violence.
Parishisht 4 (परिशिष्ट ४): The detailed procedure and sequence for performing Pratikraman (Pratikraman-vidhi).

5. Core Principles and Themes:

Atonement and Self-Reflection: The entire text emphasizes the importance of daily introspection, identifying shortcomings, and seeking atonement for them.
Non-Violence (Ahimsa): Numerous sections, particularly the Iriryavahiy-Suttam, highlight the commitment to minimizing harm to all living beings, from one-sensed to five-sensed.
Adherence to Vows and Principles: The text meticulously details transgressions against the five Mahavratas (great vows), five Samitis (disciplines), three Guptis (restraints), and other aspects of monastic discipline.
Respect for Preceptors: The act of Vandanayam and the structure of the Pratikraman itself show deep respect for the Acharyas and other spiritual guides.
The Path to Liberation: All practices described are aimed at purifying the soul, eradicating karmas, and progressing towards liberation (Moksha).
Praise of Tirthankaras and Siddhas: The text begins and ends with praises and salutations to the Tirthankaras and Siddhas, recognizing their supreme spiritual attainment.
Renunciation (Tyaga): The practice of Pratikraman and Pachchakkhan involves renouncing past actions and future transgressions.

In essence, "Shraman Pratikraman" is a spiritual manual guiding Jain monks through the essential daily practice of self-purification, emphasizing accountability for actions, adherence to strict ethical conduct, and the unwavering pursuit of liberation. It provides the specific verses, their meanings, and the procedural steps for this vital spiritual discipline.