You are on page 1of 141

Pratikraman Sutras

with English translation and explanation


A complete guide on how to do

Smyika, Chaitya Vandan, and Pratikraman

Enn-MCJ-i-z,
V-il E xz
B {il-MM-il, +
{il.

Published by
Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago

Compiled by
Mukesh Doshi
Pradip Shah
Darshana Shah

The publication of this book


is made possible due to a generous donation
from

Mr. Pramod and Mrs. Usha Shah


Skokie, Illinois
Published by:

Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago


435 North, Route 59
Bartlett, IL 60103
Cover Design
Narendra Velani
Payal Gandhi

Compiled by:
Mukesh M. Doshi
1540 Sandburg Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60173-2183
Phone: (847) 517-2505
mukusha@sbcglobal.net

Pradip and Darshana Shah


487 Jeremy
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Phone: (815) 935-1499
Pradipks1@sbcglobal.net

This book has no copyright


Please use this book and material herein with the utmost respect

ii

Dedicated to:
Pthshl teachers and Pthshl students around the world
in pursuit of
Right faith, Right knowledge, and Right conduct.

iii

To attain liberation one must block the inflow of


Karmic influx and also restrain the activities of all
sense organs and annihilate all passions. All these
must be achieved through the activities of mind,
speech, and body; by not doing, not asking others to
do and not approving or praising others who do them.
. Saman

Suttam, Gth, 80

Preface

iv

Jai Jinendra.
Jainism is the worlds oldest religion. The last of the 24 Tirthankars, Bhagawn Mahvir
(599 B.C.-525 B.C.), propounded the Jain religion, as we know it today. Bhagawn
Mahvir preached in the Ardha Mgadhi language, the language of the common people at
His time. Accordingly, most Jain scriptures are written in Ardha Mgadhi language. Since
the time of Bhagawn Mahvir, however, several chryas have written many texts, both
in the Ardha Mgadhi and the Sanskrit language. All of the fundamental Jain Sutras are
therefore, written in either Ardha Mgadhi or Sanskrit, and most have a poetic tone.
Jainism greatly emphasizes on right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct for leading
a spiritual life and attaining the ultimate goal of liberation. While living worldly lives, we
are bound to commit several mundane sins and wrong doings. Repenting for these sins
and wrong doings is utmost important for us so that we remain vigilant in our daily lives.
We must constantly strive to improve our daily conduct and enhance our understanding of
Jain philosophy. To guide us further along the path of right knowledge, right faith, and
right conduct Jainism prescribes six essential activities a Shrvak and Shrvik should do
daily. These activities are Smyika, Chauvisattho (obeisance to 24 Tirthankar
Bhagawn), Guru Vandan, Pratikraman, Kusagga (meditation) and, Pachchakkhn
(taking vow/s). Jain chryas have recommended set rituals to do these six essential
activities, all of which require recitation of many Sutras. In well-known text Tattvrtha
Sutra, chrya Umsvti Mahrj says that real understanding and knowledge of any
religious activity are the prerequisite for attaining liberation. We hope that the
information presented in this book helps you understand Jain Sutras and rituals.
Numerous scholars have translated the fundamental Jain Sutras into various Indian
languages. However, a few years ago when we started teaching Pratikraman Sutras to our
Pthshl students in Chicago, we realized a void of a good English translation of
Pratikraman Sutras, which the children in western countries can easily understand. This
book is our effort to fill this gap. We fully realize that during translation, the real charm,
meaning, and essence of the original scriptures may be lost. Accordingly we want to
emphasize the fact that one must learn these Sutras in their original form and language,
Ardha Mgadhi or Sanskrit. This book should serve only as an aid in understanding the
Sutras and should not replace the original works. It is our hope that people will learn and
understand the Sutras in their original language, and until then, this book will help them
do the essential activities of Shrvak and Shrvik.
In translating Sutras, we have emphasized the real meaning of the verse or the words
rather than the literal translation. Consequently, to make the explanations as easy as
possible to understand, in many places the translations do not follow the original order of
the verse or the words.
Section of this book contains translation of Sutras 1-21 with explanation. Please note
that the Sutras in this book are in accordance with the Jain Shvetmbar tradition. Section
II of this book outlines a step-by-step procedure of doing Smyika, Chaitya Vandan, and
Pratikraman. The ritual of Pratikraman has evolved over last 2000 or more years. We
want to emphasize that the ritual of Pratikraman presented in this book is not as elaborate
v

as commonly practiced. This book provides only an abbreviated version of the original
ritual of Pratikraman. Since Pratikraman includes other five essential activities, we
sincerely hope that an aspirant will be able to do all of the six essential activities with the
help of this book. The procedure of Pratikraman presented in this book is adopted from
the original concept presented by Shree Manubhai Doshi in Introduction to Shree
Samvatsari Pratikraman. We extend our appreciation and gratitude to him for
contributing the groundwork for the Pratikraman procedure presented here.
We do not claim this work to be the original work. We have only compiled, translated,
and rephrased the material presented herein so as to make it easily understandable to
those, whose primary language is English. We may have committed several mistakes in
doing so. We will be grateful to those, who will please draw our attention to those
mistakes. If anything presented in this book is contrary to the teachings of the Tirthankar
Bhagawn and Jina jn, we ask for forgiveness. Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
Jai Jinendra.
Mukesh Doshi

Pradip Shah

vi

Darshana Shah

Acknowledgement

Mr. Pravin Shah, Chairman, JAINA Education Committee, for his


valuable guidance and inspiration and, for providing us
Devangari fonts
Shree Jina-chandraji Mahrj of Bandhu Triputi for his guidance
and help in getting this book printed
Mr. Narendra Velani and Miss Payal Gandhi for the cover design
Mr. Alap Shah and Miss Megha Doshi for their valuable input and
suggestions
Mr. Jayesh K. Shah for technical help
Mr. Pramod Shah and Mrs. Usha Shah for their generous donation
for publication of this book
And finally,

We thank Pthshl teachers and Pthshl students of


The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago
for giving us the golden opportunity of teaching at Chicago Pthshl
We are truly grateful to all of them for their selfless help
and for being a constant source of inspiration.
Thank you and Jai Jinendra
Mukesh Doshi

Pradip Shah
Shah

vii

Darshana

Transliteration Guide
All Jain scriptures are written in Devangari script. To correctly read and pronounce our
scriptures it is necessary to use various diacritical marks on various English letters. The
bold letter in each Devangari word should be pronounced similar to the pronunciation of
the bold letter in each English word.

Devan
gari
Letter

English
words

Prkrit
Words

Devang
ari
Letter

English
words

Prkrit
Words

ago

karma

far
India
police
rule
rude
red

tm
jina
Mahvr
guru
stra
deva

t
th
d
dh
n

adhesiv
e
**
**
thatch
**
dharma
name

ai
o
au
m

ailment
go
mouse

jain
ogho
pauadha
mangalam

p
ph f
b
bh

pen
phone
boy
abhor

k
kh

m
y
r

mother
yoga
run

g
gh
ch

Oh
loka
kite
kesar
khayber khamsama
a
guru
guru
ghost
ghti
chant
chritra

padham
am
Prama
tapasvi
tirth
darshan
dharma
namask
r
puj
falpuja
besanu
bhagaw
n
muni
yoga
Ara-nth

l
V, w
sh

love
van
shine

Chh

**

push

chhatra
viii

lobha
vachan
Shntinth
Parame

thi
j
jh

jelly
john
tea
**
door

jiva
zlar
tik
pthashl
dukkadam

** No equivalent pronunciation in English

ix

Table of Contents
Section I Pratikraman Sutras

1. navakra mahmantra.......................................................................1
2.

pachindiya stra................................................................................15

3.

khamsamaa stra...........................................................................18

4.

ichchhakra stra.................................................................................19

5.

abbhuhimi stra..........................................................................20

6.

iriyvahiy stra.....................................................................................22

7.

tassa uttar stra................................................................................24

8.

annattha stra........................................................................................25

9.

lgassa stra............................................................................................28

10. karmi bhant stra.....................................................................31


11. smiya-vaya-jutt stra................................................................33
12. jaga-chintmai chaitya-vandana........................................37
13. jam kichi stra.....................................................................................42
14. namutthu am stra.........................................................................44
15. jvanti-chiim stra.......................................................................49
16. jvanta k vi stra.............................................................................50
17. namrhat stra.......................................................................................51
18. uvasagga-haram sttra..................................................................52
19. jaya vyarya! stra.........................................................................55
20. arihanta-chiyam stra..........................................................57
x

21. kalla-kandam stuti.........................................................................58

Section - II Pratikraman
Paryushan Parva.................................................................................................................63
What is Pratikraman?.........................................................................................................64
Smyika - The Practice of Equanimity......................................................................65
Chauvisattho - Worshipping Tirthankar Bhagawn.....................................................66
Guru Vandan - Offering Obeisance to Guru Mahrj..................................................66
Pratikraman - Turning Back from Transgressions.......................................................66
Kusagga - Concentration and Meditation..................................................................66
Pachchakkhn - Taking Appropriate Vows..................................................................66
Importance of Pratikraman................................................................................................67
Pratikraman........................................................................................................................69
Smyika: The First vashyak..........................................................................................69
Taking the Vow of Smyika:......................................................................................76
Pachchakkhn....................................................................................................................79
Dev Vandan-Chaitya Vandan: The Second vashyak.......................................................80
Guru Vandan: The Third vashyak...................................................................................88
Pratikraman: The Fourth vashyak...................................................................................89
Reflecting on Transgression of Codes of Conduct...................................................90
Five Anu Vratas (Five Minor Vows)........................................................................94
Three Guna Vrata (Auxiliary Vows)........................................................................97
Four Shiksh Vrata (Four Disciplinary Vows).........................................................98
Kusagga: The Fifth vashyak........................................................................................102
Conclusion of Pratikraman..............................................................................................106
References......................................................................................................................1145

xi

I offer obeisance to the Tirthankaras (Arihantas)


I offer obeisance to the liberated souls (Siddhas)
I offer obeisance to the heads of religious order (chryas)
I offer obeisance to the masters of religious scriptures (Updhyys)
I offer obeisance to all the monks and nuns in the entire universe (Sdhus and Sdhvis)
This five-fold obeisance is the destroyer of all sins
Amongst all the auspicious things, it is the first and the best auspicious thing.

xii

There are four auspicious entities in the universe.


Arihantas are auspicious
Siddhas are auspicious.
Sdhus are auspicious.
The religion explained by the omniscient is auspicious.
There are four supreme entities in the universe.
Arihantas are supreme.
Siddhas are supreme.
Sdhus are supreme.
The religion explained by the omniscient is supreme.
I take refuge in four entities of the universe.
I take refuge in Arihantas.
I take refuge in Siddhas.
I take refuge in Sdhus.
I take refuge in the religion explained by the omniscient.

xiii

xiv

Even the heavenly gods revere Tirthankar Bhagawn. Sincere obeisance to the idol of
Tirthankar Bhagawn destroys all sins. It is the first step towards attaining heaven and,
obeisance to the idol of Tirthankar ultimately leads to liberation.

Bhagawn Mahvir is auspicious; Gautam Swmi is auspicious; Sthulibhadra and other


Sdhus are auspicious; Jain dharma is auspicious.

Tirthankar Bhagawn, who is worshipped even by heavenly gods; Siddha Bhagawn,


who permanently resides on Siddhashil; chrya Mahrj, who propagates the Jain
religion; revered Updhyy Mahrj and, Sdhus and Sdhvis, who are well versed in the
scriptures and followers of three jewels of Jainism; may all these five supreme beings
bestow bliss everyday.

xv

We worship Bhagawn Rishabhadev, who was the first king of the planet earth, who was
the first to renounce everything and, who was the first Tirthankar (of current descending
half of the time cycle).

Oh Tirthankar Bhagawn, you eradicate the misery of the universe; I bow down to you.
Oh Tirthankar Bhagawn, you are the adorable ornament of the universe; I bow down to
you.
Oh Tirthankar Bhagawn, you are the supreme being of the universe; I bow down to you.
Oh Tirthankar Bhagawn, you destroy the endless cycles of birth and death; I bow down
to you.

I always pray, take refuge in and bow down to Bhagawn Mahvir, who is worshipped by
all heavenly gods as well as demons and, who has eradicated all His Karma. This unparalleled Tirtha is established by Bhagawn Mahvir. Oh! Bhagawn Mahvir, Your
austerities were intense. You have attained the ultimate enlightenment, wealth of
knowledge, patience, and peace. Oh! Bhagawn Mahvir, please show me the path to
attain liberation.

xvi

May the entire universe attain bliss; may all living beings be oriented to the interest of
others; let all faults be eliminated; and may people be happy everywhere.

I forgive all living beings; let all living beings forgive me. I am on friendly terms with all.
I have no enmity towards anybody.

xvii

Whenever Jineshvar Bhagawn is worshipped all the troubles disintegrate, the shackles of
obstacles break, and the mind achieves a blissful state

Jain Darshan and Jain way of life are most auspicious. They are the cause of ultimate
bliss (Moksha). They are the best and the greatest amongst all religious philosophies.

xviii

xix

Section - I
Pratikraman Sutras

xx

The eight essential requisites of right faith are:


absence of doubt, absence of longing, absence
of contempt, absence of confusion, absence of
belief in heretical sects, stabilization, affection
and exaltation about the right faith.
Saman Suttam (Gth 231)

xxi

1. navakra mahmantra
x +ih.
x rh.
x +h.
x =VZh.
x B -h.
B {S-xCE,
-{-{{hh;
Mh S ,
{f < M.
nam arihantam.
nam siddham.
nam yariyam.
nam uvajjhyam.
nam l savva-sham.
s pacha-namukkr, savva-pvappasa;
magalam cha savvsim,
Meaning
pahamam havai magalam.
I offer obeisance to the Tirthankaras (Arihantas).
I offer obeisance to the liberated souls (Siddhas).
I offer obeisance to the heads of religious order (chryas).
I offer obeisance to the masters of religious scriptures (Updhyys).
I offer obeisance to all the monks and nuns in the entire universe (Sdhus and Sdhvis).
This five-fold obeisance is the destroyer of all sins.
Amongst all the auspicious things, it is the first and the best auspicious thing.
Explanation
Navakr Mantra is also known as Namaskr Mantra, Namokr Mantra, and Namukkr
Mantra. It is the most revered mantra in Jainism. In the first and second Pada, obeisance
is offered to the omniscient Lords. In the third, fourth, and fifth Pada, obeisance is offered
to Guru Mahrj. The remaining four Padas explain the importance of this obeisance.
Some Jain traditions do not include the last four Padas in Navakr Mantra. In the version
presented here, Navakr Mantra is composed of nine Padas. The last two Padas make up

a single line, so it has eight lines, or Sampads as known in Prkrut language. There are
68 letters in the original Prkrut version of the Navakr Mantra.
There are 108 attributes of the five supreme beings, known as Pancha Paramesthi,
namely, Arihanta, Siddha, chrya, Updhyy, and Sdhu. The Jain rosary has 108 beads,
which signify the 108 attributes of the five supreme beings. These 108 attributes are as
follows:
Arihanta . 12 attributes
Siddha . 8 attributes
chrya . 36 attributes
Updhyy .. 25 attributes
Sdhu 27 attributes
Total . 108 attributes

Arihanta
The word Arihanta has many meanings. The word is derived from the word Arhat.
Those who are revered by heavenly beings and everybody else are known as Arhants or
Arhats. In his treatise vashyak-niryukti, chrya Bhadrabhu Swami wrote that those
who are revered by all and are destined to be liberated in their current life are called
Arihantas or Arhats. Arihantas are the only ones who explain the real meaning and
destiny of the soul.
Bhadrabhu Swami further states in the same text that Arihanta are the ones who have
destroyed their enemies. (Ari means enemies and hant means destroyer.) These enemies
reside within us and prevent us from achieving liberation. Specifically, these enemies are:
misusing five-sense organs, objects of sensual pleasure, and luxuries, and the passions
(which are anger, ego, deceit, greed, attachment, and aversion).
Bhadrabhu Swami further states that Arihantas are those who have conquered 22 kinds
of physical adversities, physical and mental pain, and tortures induced by others. One
becomes omniscient after eradicating all four destructive karmas. All those who are
omniscient are Arihantas in its literal meaning. In Jain terminology, Arihantas are also
known as Kevali. There are two broad classifications of Arihantas: Smnya (simple)
Kevali and Tirthankar Kevali. Upon attaining omniscience, both Smnya Kevali and
Tirthankar Kevali ultimately attain liberation after the remaining four non-destructive
karmas are exhausted. (The four destructive Karmas are eradicated upon attaining Kevaljnn) While Smnya Kevalis simply spend the remainder of their lives in meditation
until all non-destructive karmas are exhausted. Tirthankar Kevalis, upon attaining
omniscience, reestablish Jain sangha, and devote their lives in preaching and guiding
others toward the path leading to liberation. In each half of one time cycle, only 24
Kevalis attain the distinction of that of a Tirthankar. In the Navakr Mantra, the word
Arihanta refers only to Tirthankar Kevali. All those who attain omniscience attain
liberation upon nirvana, and these liberated souls are now known as Siddhas. Thus,
Tirthankar or Arihanta also becomes a Siddha upon nirvana. The Siddha stage is the
ultimate stage for the soul. It is important to understand that the Arihanta stage precedes
the Siddha stage for Tirthankaras. In the spiritual hierarchical sense, Siddha is the stage
above the stage of Arihanta. In the Navakr Mantra, obeisance is offered first to Arihanta
2

because Arihantas devote their remaining lives to preaching and guiding worldly souls to
the path of liberation.
Twelve attributes of Arihanta are as follows:
1. Omniscience
2. Absence of all natural calamities and diseases within the area of 125 Yojan of
Tirthankar
3. All heavenly gods and humans respect and bow down to Tirthankar
4. Thirty five special qualities of Tirthankars sermon
5. Ashok tree, which is twelve times the height of Tirthankar
6. Shower of fragrant flowers (Sur-pushpa Vrushti)
7. Devine music
8. Devine Chmar (whisk)
9. A golden throne
10. An aureole behind the head of Tirthankar
11. Devine drums
12. Devine three-layered umbrella above Tirthankars head
The last eight attributes together are known as Ashta- Prtihrya.
Above mentioned twelve attributes of Arihanta are further elaborated into thirty-four
attributes, which are referred to as 34 Atishaya in Jain scriptures.
A. Four attributes present at birth:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Divine and healthy body, which is fragrant and devoid of perspiration


Fragrant breath
Milky white and odorless blood and flesh
Invisible diet and excreta

B. Eleven attributes attained upon attaining omniscience:


1. A total of 1,00,0002 human beings, heavenly gods, and other animals and birds can
be accommodated within a space of 1 Yojan Square when Tirthankar delivers
sermons
2. Tirthankars sermon, though delivered in Ardha-mgadhi language, is understood
well by all, including animals, and is heard clearly up to 1 Yojan distance
3. Aureole (Bhmandal) behind Tirthankars head
4 to11. Absence of disease, enmity, calamity, plague, flooding, draught, famine, and
political unrest up to a distance of 125 Yojan
C. Nineteen attributes created by heavenly gods:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Wheel of dharma (Dharma-chakra) moves along with Tirthankar


Chmar
A throne
Three layered umbrella over the head of Tirthankar
A flag (Dharma-dhvaj)
3

6. Nine golden lotus flowers to walk upon


7. A gold, silver, and jewel-laden fort (Samavasaran) for delivering sermons
8. Visibility of Tirthankars face from all directions while delivering sermons
9. Ashok tree
10. Thorns face downwards while walking
11. Trees bow down to Tirthankar
12. Music from divine drums at the time of sermons
13. Cool soothing breeze
14. Circum-ambulation of birds
15. Sprinkles of fragrant water
16. Shower of fragrant flowers
17. Hair and nails do not grow following renunciation
18. Ten million heavenly gods always accompany Tirthankar
19. All seasons are always favorable
Digambar Tradition
The Digambar tradition, however, mentions following 34 slightly different attributes of
Tirthankar.
A. Ten of the 34 attributes present at birth:
1. The most beautiful body
2. Body full of fragrance
3. Body devoid of perspiration
4. Body devoid of excretion
5. Peaceful and soothing voice
6. Unmatched physical strength
7. Milk-like blood
8. 1008 desirable birthmarks and features
9. Proportionally built body
10. Solid physique
B. Ten attributes attained upon attaining omniscience:
1. Affluence all around
2. Walking without touching the ground
3. Visibility of face from all four directions
4. Complete kindness
5. Life devoid of obstacles
6. No food required to sustain life
7. Perfect knowledge
8. No growth of hair and nails
9. No blinking of eyes
10. No shadow of body

C. Fourteen attributes created by the heavenly gods:


1. Facilitating a universal language
2. Enabling all beings to get along with each other
3. Clean air all around
4. Clear skies
5. Fruits, crops, and flowers flourish year-round irrespective of season
6. Miles and miles of neat and clean grounds all-around
7. Lotuses made from gold under the Tirthankars feet
8. Sounds of reverential praises in the skies around the Tirthankar
9. Blowing of slow and fragrant breezes
10. Fragrant rains
11. Removal of all potential obstacles from the land
12. Contentment all around
13. Moving of Dharma-chakra (symbolic wheel of religion) in Tirthankars Samavasaran
14. Presence of eight embellishments around the Tirthankar (e.g., Chhatra, Chmar,
Dhvaj (flag), bell, Kalash (sacred vessel), fan, swastika, and mirror)

Siddha
As explained above, all Omniscients ultimately become Siddha when they exhaust the
remaining four destructive karmas upon attaining nirvana. Siddhas are liberated souls that
are free from the cycles of birth and death. These liberated souls stay in a place called
Siddha-shil, which is located at the top of the universe. They have reached the highest
state, which is liberation, and have attained Moksha. They have eradicated all their
Karmas and therefore do not accumulate any new Karma, thus freeing themselves forever
from the cycle of birth and death (Akshaya-sthiti). This state of freedom is Moksha. A
liberated soul has infinite bliss (Anant-sukha), infinite knowledge (Anant-jnn), infinite
perception (Anant-darshan), and infinite energy (Anant-virya). These souls have the
ability to know everything that is happening now, that has happened in the past, and that
will happen in the future. They have no desires and are completely detached from any
sense of craving or aversion (Anant-chritra, Vitargatva). Despite the fact that all
Siddhas retain a unique identity, they are equal (Aguru-Laghutva) and formless
(Arupitva).
Thus, Siddhas have the following 8 attributes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Infinite knowledge (Anant-jnn)


Infinite perception (Anant-darshan)
Infinite, uninterrupted bliss (Anant-avybdha-sukha)
Infinite perfect conduct (Anant-chritra)
Imperishable status (Akshaya-sthiti)
Formlessness (Arupitva)
Equal-ness with other Siddhas (Aguru-laghutva)
Infinite energy (Anant-virya)

chrya
chrya is the spiritual head of the Jain congregation (Sangha) in the absence of
Tirthankar. chryas carry out the message of Jina, the last Tirthankar Bhagawn
Mahvir. chryas bear the responsibility for the spiritual well being of the entire Jain
5

Sangha. Before reaching that state, one must do an in-depth study and gain mastery of all
the gams. In addition to acquiring a high level of spiritual excellence, they also have the
ability to lead the Sangha (Sdhus, Sdhvis, Shrvaks, and Shrviks). They should also
know the various languages of the country and have a sound knowledge of other
philosophies, ideologies, and religions of the region and the world. chryas have 36
attributes, which are discussed in detail below.
chryas have control over all pleasures derived from five-sense organs:
Touch

Taste

Smell

Sight

Hearing
Our natural instincts cause us to seek pleasures, which are usually always derived from
these sense organs. Many times in pursuit of these pleasures, we knowingly or
unknowingly indulge in immoral, unethical, illegal, or harmful activities. These pleasures
obstruct the path toward spiritual upliftment. These sense organs are the root causes of
passions (anger, ego, deceit and greed), which are our true enemies. For example, our
skin likes to have a soothing touch, we crave tasty food, we like to have pleasant smells
around us, and we like to see attractive objects, and we like to hear pleasant-sounding
things. When we do not have these pleasurable experiences, we become unhappy,
frustrated, disappointed, and sometimes angry. chrya Mahrj controls these pleasures
and remains in perfect equanimity whether these sensory experiences are favorable or
unfavorable.
Nine ways to observe celibacy (Brahmacharya)
Until the time of Lord Prshva-nth, there were only four great vows for Sdhu. Celibacy
was included in the vow of non-possessiveness. However, as times changed, Lord
Mahvir added the fifth great vow of celibacy. (In the correct order of the five great
vows, celibacy is the fourth vow.) Upon renunciation, all Sdhus and Sdhvis commit to
these five great vows for the rest of their lives.
Our scriptures have defined following nine ways for strict observation of vow of
celibacy:
1. Do not stay near or in a place where persons of opposite sex, eunuchs, or animals
live.
2. Do not be alone in a lonely place with someone of the opposite sex.
3. Do not observe a person of opposite sex.
4. Do not sit at the same place where a person of the opposite sex has been sitting until
a certain amount of time has elapsed.
5. Do not listen to the conversations of couples and do not live in a place where you
must share a common wall with a couple.
6. Do not think about any sensual pleasures or experiences from the time before
renunciation.
7. Do not consume intoxicating food or liquids.
6

8. Do not indulge in tasty foods and eat simple food in moderation.


9. Do not use make-up and wear simple clothes.
Free and detached from four passions (Kashyas)
chrya Mahrj has attained a complete control on four passions
Anger (Krodha)

Ego (Mna)

Deceit (My)

Greed (Lobha)

Observation of five great vows (Mah-vratas)


chrya Mahrj observes these great vows and does not ask encourage, or appreciate
anybody who indulges in any activity, which is contrary to these vows.
The five great vows are described below:
1. Nonviolence: Complete and total commitment to nonviolence, in thoughts, words,
and actions (Prntipt Viraman Vrata)
2. Truthfulness: To speak only harmless truth (Mrushvda Viraman Vrata)
3. Non-stealing: To take only those things which are duly given (Adattdna Viraman
Vrata)
4. Celibacy: (Maithuna Viraman Vrata)
5. Non-possessiveness: To own no money, property, or ornaments. They should own no
more than the bare necessity of clothing and pots to accept alms. (Sdhus of
Digambar sects do not wear any clothes because they consider clothing as
possessions. (Parigraha Viraman Vrata)
Observation of five codes of conduct (chr)
1. Code of conduct regarding right knowledge (Jnnchr):
To study and teach religious scriptures, to write and encourage others to write and
publish religious scriptures, and, to take proper and due care of religious books is
Jnnchr.
2. Code of conduct regarding right faith (Darshanchr):
To understand the preachings of Jina beyond any doubts and to respect and honor Jina
and the path to liberation shown by Jina.
3. Code of right conduct regarding ascetic life (Chritrchr):
To observe ascetic regulations and restrictions properly and helping other monks to do
the same.
4. Code of right conduct regarding observation of austerities (Tapchr):
To observe austerities and encourage and help others observe austerities. There are 12
different ways to observe austerities. Those, which are related to voluntary endurance
of hardships and restrictions of bodily pleasures, are known as external austerities
(Bhya Tap). Those austerities, which directly affect the karmas and help shed
karmas, are known as internal austerities (Abhyantar Tap).

External austerities (Bhya Tapa):


Fasting (Anashan)

Partial fasting (Unodari)

Limiting consumption of number of food items (Vrutti-Sankshep)

Avoiding or limiting consumption of tasty food (Rasa-tyg)

Voluntary endurance of physical hardships (Ky Klesha)

Controlling and limiting other pleasures (Pratisanlinat)

Internal austerities: (Abhyantar Tapa)


Repentance for mental, verbal, and physical bad deeds (Pryashchitta)

Humility (Vinay)

Selfless service to Sdhu, Sdhvi, and elderly (Vaiyvachcha)

Study of religious scriptures (Swdhyy)

Meditation (Dhyna)

Abandonment of physical and material things and passions


(Vyutsarga)
5. Codes of conduct regarding mental, verbal, and physical abilities (Virychr):
To use mental, verbal, and physical abilities properly and constantly engage in
spiritual activities without a moment of laziness.
Observation of five kinds of carefulness (Samitis):
1. Carefulness in movements to avoid any Hims (Iry Samiti).
2. Carefulness of speech so as to speak only harmless truth and to speak only what is
necessary (Bhsh Samiti).
3. Carefulness in accepting alms (Gochari) to avoid the 42 faults of accepting alms
(Eshan Samiti).
4. Carefulness in handling clothes, pots, and pans used for Gochari (dna-Bhand-MattNikshepan Samiti).
5. Carefulness in getting rid of bodily waste (Prishth-panik Samiti).
Observation of restrains of thought, speech, and body (Three Guptis):
1. Restrain bad thoughts (Mana Gupti).
2. Restrain bad language (Vachan Gupti).
3. Restrain bad physical activity (Kya Gupti).

Thus, chrya Mahrj has 36 attributes as follows:


Control over five-sense organs

Observance of celibacy in nine ways

Free from four passions

Commitment to five great vows

Observation of five codes of conduct

Carefulness in five activities

Restrain of thought, speech, and bodily activities

Total

36

Updhyy
Lord Mahvirs main disciples (Ganadhars) compile his preachings in 11 texts known as
gams. There are 11 main gams (Anga-gams) and 12 sub gams (Upnga -gams). A
Sdhu attains the rank of an Updhyy after studying and mastering all of these texts.
Anga-gams:
Anga-gams are the oldest religious scriptures and the backbone of Jain literature. (The
names in bracket appearing in italics are the names of texts in Prkrut language)
1. chrnga Sutra (yrnga-sutta):
This gam describes the codes of conduct of ascetic life and the penance of Lord
Mahvir. Historically, this is the oldest gam
2. Sutra-krutnga Sutra (Suyagadnga-sutta):
This gam describes nonviolence, Jain metaphysics, and the refutation of other religious
theories such as Kriy-vda, Akriy-vda, Ajnnvda, and Vinaya-vda.
3. Sthnnga Sutra (Thnnga-sutta):
This gam defines and categorizes the fundamentals of Jain metaphysics.
4. Samavynga Sutra (Samavo):
This gam defines and categorizes the fundamentals of the Jain religion from a different
perspective than the Sthnnga Sutra.

Originally there were 12 Anga-gams. However, when the gams were first verbally compiled in the 4 th
century B.C., nobody remembered the 12 th gam, known as Drashtivda (Ditthivya), it in its entirety.
Hence, this gam is extinct. The description of Drashtivda found in other Jain Sutras indicates that this
Anga-gam was the largest of all gam Sutras. It was classified in five parts:
(l) Parikrama, (2) Sutra, (3) Purvagata, (4) Pratham-Anuyoga, and (5) Chulik.
The third part, Purvagata, includes 14 Purvas, which contain the Jain religion's endless treasure of
knowledge on every subject. The word Purva means before. Some scholars believe that it was named
Purva because it contained knowledge, which existed before Lord Mahvirs time.)

5. Vykhy-prajnapti or Bhagawati Sutra (Viyha-pannatti):


This gam explains the subtle knowledge of soul, matter, and other related subjects. It
discusses 36,000 questions and answers and is the largest of the 11 Anga-gams.
6. Jnt-dharma-kathnga Sutra (Ny-dhamma-kaho):
This gam explains Jain principles through examples and stories. This text is very useful
in understanding the mode of Lord Mahvirs preaching.
7. Upsaka-dashnga Sutra (Uvasaga-daso):
This gam explains the code of conduct of the 10 lay followers (Shrvaks) of Lord
Mahvir. This gam is very useful for understanding the code and conduct of ordinary
people (Shrvak Dharma) in the Jain religion.
8. Antakrit-dashnga Sutra (Antagada-daso):
This gam tells the stories of 10 sacred monks who attained liberation (Moksha).
9. Anuttaraopa-ptika-dashnga Sutra (Anuttarova-viya-daso):
This gam contains the stories of 10 additional sacred monks who attained the top-most
heaven, known as Anuttara heaven.
10. Prashna-vykaran Sutra (Panh-vgaranam):
This gam describes the five great vows (Mah-vratas) and the five worst sins defined in
the Jain religion.
11. Vipk Sutra (Vivga-suyam): This gam explains the results of good and bad karmas
through several stories.
Upnga-gams:
These 12 scriptures were developed as a treatise to Anga-gams and provide further
explanation of Anga-gams.
1. Aupa-ptika Sutra (Ovaviyam):
This gam describes the splendid procession of King Konika when he visited Lord
Mahvir. It also explains how a person can attain heaven in the next life.
2. Rja-prashniya Sutra (Ry-pasena-ijja):
This gam describes the story of Monk Keshi, who was a Ganadhar of Lord Prshvanth.
He cleared the doubts of King Pradeshi regarding the existence and attributes of the soul.
Monk Keshi made the king a follower of the Jain religion. After his death, the king was
born in heaven as a dev. He regularly came from heaven to shower Lord Mahvir with
unprecedented pomp and splendor. The 32 dramas (plays) described in this gam provide
examples of the ancient dramatic art of India.
3. Jivbhigama Sutra:
This gam describes the universe and all the living beings (souls) that reside within it.

10

4. Prajnpan Sutra (Pannavan):


This gam describes the form and attributes of the soul from a different perspective.
5. Surya-prajnapti Sutra (Suriya-pannatti Sura-pannatti):
This gam describes the Sun, planets, and associated mathematics regarding their
motion.
6. Chandra-prajnapti Sutra (Chanda-pannatti):
This gam describes the Moon, planets, and associated mathematics regarding their
motion. Both the Chandra-prajnapti and Surya-prajnapti Upngas are very important in
understanding the ancient Jain astrology.
7. Jambu-dvipa-prajnapti Sutra:
This gam describes Jambu-dvip, big island located in the center of the middle world as
explained in Jain geography. This gam also provides information on ancient kings.
8. Nirayrvali Sutra:
This gam describes the story of ten prince brothers. All ten princes fought with King
Chetak of Vaishli in cooperation with king Konik. King Chetak was the half brother of
the ten princes. In the end all ten princes went to hell after dying in war.
9. Kalp-vatansik Sutra (Kapp-vadamsio):
This gam describes the story of King Konikas children. Instead of fighting with King
Chetak in the war, they renounced the world and became monks. After their death, they
went to heaven.
10. Pushpik Sutra (Puspio):
This gam describes the previous lives of certain Devas (angels) who worshiped Lord
Mahvir.
11. Pushpa-chulik Sutra
This gam describes stories similar to those in the Pushpik Sutra.
12. Vrashnidash Sutra (Vanhidaso):
This gam explains how Lord Neminth convinced 10 kings in the Vrashni region to
follow the Jain religion.
Thus, the 25 attributes of Updhyy are as follows:
Mastery of 11 Anga gams, 12 Upnga gams, 1 text that enumerates 70 ways to
observe the code of conduct and, 1 text that enumerates 70 ways to observe and perform
rituals and activities.

11

Digambar tradition
In the Digambar tradition, Updhyy must master the following 25 scriptures, which are
slightly different from those described above
14 Purvas
1. Utpd Purva
2. Agryaniya Purva
3. Virya-Pravd Purva
4. Asti-nsti Pravd Purva
5. Jnn-pravd Purva
6. Karma-pravd Purva
7. Satya-pravd Purva
8. tm-pravd Purva
9. Pratykhyn Purva
10. Vidy-pravd Purva
11. Kalyn-pravd Purva
12. Prnavy Purva
13. Kriy-vishl Purva
14. Loka-bindu Purva

11 Anga gams
1. chrnga
2. Sutra-krutnga
3. Sthnnga
4. Samavyng
5. Vykhy-prajnapti
6. Jnt-Kathnga
7. Upsaka-adhyayana
8. Antha-Krita Dashnga
9. Anuttarotpda Dashnga
10. Vipk Sutra
11. Prashna-vykarana

Sdhus and Sdhvis


When householders desire to detach from the worldly aspects of life and deeply desire for
spiritual uplift, they renounce worldly life and become Sdhus (monks) or Sdhvis
(nuns). Before becoming a Sdhu or a Sdhvi, a layperson must stay with Sdhus or
Sdhvis to understand their lifestyles and study religion for several months. When they
feel confident that they will be able to live the life of a monk or a nun, they inform the
chrya that they are ready for initiation. If the chrya is convinced that they are
capable of following the vows of Sdhus and Sdhvis, he prepares them for Diksh.
Diksh is an initiation ceremony, which a householder must perform before becoming a
monk or a nun. At the time of Diksh, Sdhus and Sdhvis commit to the five major vows
for the rest of their lives.
Sdhus and Sdhvis adhere to the five great vows, which are explained below:
Vow
Ahims Mahvrata
Satya Mahvrata
Asteya Mahvrata
Brahmacharya Mahvrata
Aparigraha Mahvrata

Meaning
Nonviolence
Truth

Explanation
Not to commit any type of violence.
Not to indulge in any type of lie or
falsehood.
Non-stealing
Not to take anything unless it is given.
Celibacy
Not to indulge in any sensual activities
Non-possessiveness Not to acquire more than what is needed to
maintain day-to-day life.

When monks and nuns commit to these five vows, they promise to never break these
vows and promise to never ask or encourage anybody else to break these vows - be it in
thought, speech, or action.

12

Thus, Sdhus and Sdhvis have the following 27 attributes:


Five great vows as explained above

To protect five one-sensed beings (water, fire, earth, air,


and plant known as Sthvar souls) and one group of
moving living beings (two-sensed to five-sensed living
beings) known as Trasa souls
To control pleasures derived from any of the five senses
(touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing)
To observe five types of carefulness1
To control mind, speech, and body
Not to eat before sunrise and after sunset
To forgive others
To avoid greed
To endure hardship
To endure suffering
To be introspective
To keep the heart pure

5
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Digambar Tradition Attributes of Monks


The Digambar tradition believes in the following 27 attributes of Sdhu:
Observation of 5 great vows

Observation of 5 kinds of carefulness


Control of five senses (Indriya Vijay)
6 vashyak (six essentials - same as described in
Digambar chryas)2
Pulling out hair from own head (Kesha Loch)
No bathing (Asnna)
Sleeping on the floor (Bhumi Shayan)
No brushing teeth (Adanta-dhovan)
Eating food in standing posture only (Uttishan-hr)
Eating only once a day (Eka-bhuti)

5
5
6
1
1
1
1
1
1

So far we have reviewed a detailed explanation and the importance of the first four Padas
of Navakr Mantra. Now let us review the detailed meaning of the remaining five Padas.

Carefulness while moving around, carefulness of speech and talking, carefulness in accepting alms,
carefulness in the use of cloths and utensils, carefulness in disposal of bodily waste
2
Kesha loch (pulling out of hair from own head), Asnna (no bathing), Bhumi Shayan (sleeping on the
floor), Adanta-dhovan (no brushing of teeth), Uttisthn-hr Sevan (eating food in standing posture only),
Eka-bhukti (eating once a day only)

13

In the fifth Pada of the Navakr Mantra, the words Loe Savva Shunam offer obeisance
to all the present and past Sdhus and Sdhvis of the entire universe
The remaining four Padas describe the importance and benefits of Navakr Mantra. When
we recite Navakr Mantra, we should remember the 108 virtues of five supreme beings
and strive to attain those virtues. When someone is determined to attain those virtues, he
or she will naturally commit fewer sinful activities. In addition, simply engaging in
prayer will help eradicate bad karmas. This is why the sixth Pada of Navakr Mantra
explains that offering obeisance to the five supreme beings destroys sins. Eradication of
sins and purification of soul are the most important steps for the spiritual upliftment of
the soul towards its journey to salvation. The last Pada in the Navakr Mantra states that
it is the most blissful and auspicious sutra in the entire universe. The Navakr Mantra has
been present in its original version since the beginning of time and will be present
forever. It is considered to contain the real essence of all 14 Purvas. One should recite
Navakr Mantra upon waking up in morning, before going to bed, before meals, before
starting any new activity, and preferably all the time. One who dies while reciting and/or
listening to Navakr Mantra will be reborn as a heavenly being or a human.

14

2.

pachindiya stra

{Sn-h, i x
--S-Mkv.
S=-E-CE, <+
+]`-Mh
Vk.............................1.
{S--Vk, {S-
-{h-il.
{S-+ iMk,
Uk-Mh M VZ..2.
pachindiya-samvara, taha nava-vihabambhachra-guttidhar.
chauviha-kasya-mukk, ia ahrasaMeaning:
guhim sajutt..............................1.
My Guru Mahrj has attained perfect control over the pleasures and pains associated
pacha-mahavvaya-jutt,
with
five-sense organs. He observes celibacy in the nine pachaprescribed ways. He is free from
thevihyra-plaa-samatth.
four kinds of passions. Thus, my Guru Mahrj possesses these 18 virtues.
pacha-sami
chhattsa-gu
My
Guru Mahrj observes thetigutt,
five great vows,
five codes of conduct, five kinds of
carefulness,
three kinds of restraints in daily activities. Thus, my Guru Mahrj
gur and
majjha.......................................2.
possesses 36 qualities

Explanation
Guru Mahrj has the following 36 qualities:

Control over the five-sense organs:


Touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing

Observation of celibacy in the following nine ways:


1. Do not stay near or in a place where persons of opposite sex, eunuchs, or
animals live.
2. Do not be alone in a lonely place with someone of the opposite sex.
3. Do not observe a person of opposite sex.
15

4. Do not sit at the same place where a person of the opposite sex has been
sitting until a certain amount of time has elapsed.
5. Do not listen to the conversations of couples and do not live in a place
where you must share a common wall with a couple.
6. Do not think about any sensual pleasures or experiences from the time before
renunciation.
7. Do not consume intoxicating food or liquids.
8. Do not indulge in tasty foods and eat simple food in moderation.
9. Do not use make-up and wear simple clothes.

Free from four kinds of passions:


1. Anger
2. Ego
3. Deceit
4. Greed

Observance of the five great vows:


1. Non violence
2. Truth
3. Non-stealing
4. Celibacy
5. Non-possessiveness

Observation of the five codes of conduct:


1. Code of conduct related to knowledge
2. Code of conduct related to right faith
3. Code of conduct related to monk-hood
4. Code of conduct related to austerity
5. Code of conduct related to inner and physical strength

Observation of the five kinds of carefulness (so as not to hurt any living being) in
day-to-day activities:
1. Carefulness while moving around
2. Carefulness while talking
3. Carefulness in accepting alms
4. Carefulness in the use of objects which are used in the day-to-day lives of
monks.
5. Carefulness in disposing bodily waste.

Observation of the three kinds of restrains:


1. Total control over mind
2. Total control over speech
3. Total control over body

(For more detailed explanation of these 36 qualities, please refer to the Navakr Mantra.)
Panchindiya Sutra is also known as Sthpan Sutra. Panchindiya Sutra is the 91 st and 92nd
stanza of the text Sambodha Prakaran, composed by chrya Haribhadra Suri. The
16

presence of a Guru Mahrj is essential while performing certain rituals. If a teacher


assigns his students some assignments and then leaves the classroom, the students will
likely misbehave. Similarly, any religious activity, especially Smyika and Pratikraman,
are most beneficial when performed in the presence of a Guru Mahrj. However, we
may not always have the Guru Mahrj to instruct us while performing Smyika and
Pratikraman. Does this mean we should never perform these rituals if there is no Guru
Mahrj around? No. Our learned chryas have shown us how to establish the presence
of a Guru Mahrj before performing these rituals in the following way.
1.

Place a religious book or any other symbolic object (like a rosary) on a Spado (a
special stand used to rest religious books) to demonstrate your respect for
knowledge).
2. Extend your right hand, palm facing the Spado, and recite Panchindiya Sutra.
These three symbolic actions establish the presence of a Guru Mahrj in the religious
object placed on the Spado. The Spado and the object placed on it are called Sthpanchrya (Symbolic Guru). Now, whatever vows we take and whatever repentance we do
are done under the presence and supervision of Guru Mahrj. Thus, reciting Panchindiya
Sutra is essential in performing Smyika and Pratikraman. By reciting this Sutra, we
admire the 36 attributes of Guru Mahrj and remind ourselves to strive to adopt these
attributes.

17

3.

khamsamaa stra

<SU J-h!
n=, VhVVB
x+B?
ilBh n.............................1.
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium,
jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi. .1.
Meaning
Oh! Guru Mahrj! I wish to offer my obeisance to you. I am giving up all sinful
activities to the best of my ability, and I am bowing down my head to you.
Explanation
This Sutra is also known as Panchng Pranipt Sutra as this Sutra is recited while
offering obeisance in a specific posture wherein five body parts, namely, two hands, two
knees and, forehead - touch the floor. This posture is depicted in the following picture.

This sutra is recited while offering obeisance to the idol of Tirthankar Bhagawn and to
Guru Mahrj, who is referred to as Ksham Shraman in this sutra. Ksham Shraman
means that Jain monks are the masters of forgiveness. They have equanimity towards all
living beings and enmity towards none.

18

4.

ichchhakra stra

<SUE -<? -n
? J-i{,
-xv, JV-j-xi
V,
! i V? +{x E nx V. .1.

Meaning
Oh! Guru Mahrj! With your permission I very kindly wish to know if you were
comfortable during last night (or day)? Is your penance going well? Are you free from
any bodily inflictions? Oh! Guru Mahrj, is your journey in ascetic life free of
obstacles? Oh! Guru Mahrj, are you doing well? Please kindly oblige by accepting
alms from me.
Explanation
This sutra is recited while offering obeisance to Guru Mahrj. This Sutra is known as
Guru Sukha Sht Sutra because it describes a devotee inquiring about Guru Mahrjs
well being.
Jain monks do not have any possession worth the name. What they keep with them are a
couple of pieces of cloth for covering the body, some religious books, two or three
wooden bowls for accepting food and water, a whisk, a walking stick, and simple
bedding.
Jain monks depend on laymen for all their needs, including food and water. When they
ask us for alms, we should offer them the proper food. We should also try to find out if
they need other things, like medicine. There is no better use for our resources than
offering them to monks and nuns. We should consider ourselves fortunate if they accept
anything from us. We should also give them our complete respect and offer them our
obeisance and service.

19

5.

abbhuhimi stra

<SU-Eh n M
x! +]`+,
+i-n+ J=?
<SU, J n+.
V ES +{k+, {{k+; k, {h;
hB, SS; +,
; =SSh, h;
+i-B, =-B; V
ES VZ
h-{h,
, ; i Vh,
+ x Vh; i SU
nCEb..............................1.
ichchh-kra sandisaha bhagavan!
abbhuhimi,
abbhintara-dvasiam khmu?
Meaning
ichchham, khmmi dvasiam.
Oh! Guru Mahrj please voluntarily give me permission to ask for your forgiveness for
any jam
wrong doings
that I may
have done to you para-pattiam;
during the day. (Guru Mahrj now will
kichi
apattiam,
say, Please do so)

bhatt, p;
I accept
your permission.
I beg for your pardon, for
all the wrong
doings that I may have
via,
vyvachch;
lv,
sanlv;
committed during the day. I may have caused unhappiness or bitterness to you in regards
uchchsa,
samsa;
antara-bhs,
to food
or water. I may have disrespected
you or may not
have taken proper care of you. I
mayuvari-bhs;
have disrespected you by sitting
at
a
higher
level
or
at the same level as you. I may
jam kichi majjha
have interrupted you while you were talking, I may have talked back to you, or I may
suhumam
haveviaya-pariham,
tried to prove you wrong. I may
have exhibited v,
major byaram
or even minor
discourteousness
to you, which
I am notaham
aware of but
youjmi;
may be aware
of. Now
v; tubbh
jaha,
na
tassa
michchh mi dukkaam.......................1.
20

therefore, I beg for your forgiveness for all my such wrong doings and wish that they
might be undone.
Explanation
This Sutra is a request for forgiveness from Guru Mahrj for any breaches in respect
committed towards the Guru. The devotee first asks the Guru for permission to ask for
forgiveness. This Sutra is normally recited after bowing down to the Guru and reciting
Khamsamano Sutra while performing Guru Vandan.

21

<SU-Eh n M
6. iriyvahiy stra
x! <
{bCE?
<SU, <SU {bCE=. .1.
<B, hB. .2.
MhMh.......................3.
{h-CEh, -CEh,
-CEh,
+-=kM-{hM-nM-]]CEb-ih-Eh..4.
V V ..5.
BMn, <n,
i<n, S=n,
{Sn..........................6.
+, k, ,
P<, P]],
{, E, =q
, `h+ `h E,
V+ , i
SU nCEb...........7.
ichchh-kra sandisaha bhagavan!
iriyvahiyam
paikkammi? ichchham, icchmi
paikkamiu.......................................1.
iriyvahiy, virha.......................2.
gamagama..................................3.
pa-kkama, bya-kkama, hariyakkama, s-uttiga-paaga-daga-mamakka-sant-sakama...............4.
j m jv virhiy............................5.
gindiy, bindiy, tindiy, chaurindiy,
pachindiy.......................................6.
abhihay, vattiy, lsiy, saghiy, sa
ghaiy,
22
pariyviy, kilmiy, uddaviy, h
ham sakmiy, jviy vavarviy, tassa

Meaning
Oh! Guru Mahrj, please voluntarily give me permission to apologize and repent (to do
Pratikraman) for the sins that I may have committed while moving around. (Now Guru
Mahrj will say, Please do so.)
I accept your permission. Now, I want to apologize and repent by doing Pratikraman.
While walking, I may have trampled upon living beings, seeds, green vegetation, dew, ant
burrows, moss, wet soil, and spider webs. Or, I may have hurt one-sensed, two-sensed,
three-sensed, four-sensed, or five-sensed living beings by kicking them, covering them
with dirt, trampling them, colliding them with each other, or touching them. Or, I may
have distressed them, frightened them, displaced them, or killed them.
I repent and apologize for all these sins that I may have committed.
Explanation
It is very important to purify our souls before performing any religious ritual, especially,
Chaitya Vandan, Smyika, and Pratikraman. The best way to cleanse our soul is by
asking for forgiveness and repent for sins we have committed either knowingly or
unknowingly, however trivial they may be. After asking for forgiveness, we should
perform Kyotsarga or introspection and pledge to not repeat these sins. The ritual we
perform for atonement is known as Iriyvahiyam. This sutra, along with the following
two sutras, which follow, precede Kyotsarga, also known as Kusagga. By reciting this
sutra, we enumerate the sins that we may have committed while moving around, and
repent, and ask for forgiveness for those sins.

23

7.

tassa uttar stra

i =k-Ehh,
{SUk-Ehh,
-Ehh,
-Ehh, {h
Eh xMPh]`B,
` E=MM...............1.
tassa uttar-karaam, pyachchhittakaraam,
vish-karaam, visall-karaam,
Meaning
pva kammam nigghyaah,
I nowhmi
want to absolve
all my sins committed (as mentioned in the previous sutra) by
kussaggam.............................1.
repenting. To purify my soul and to make it free of pain (caused by practicing religion
without right faith or, practicing religion just for the show and practicing religion for
worldly gains) and to completely destroy all my sins, I shall now perform Kyotsarga.
Explanation
Tassa Uttari sutra is the second of the three sutras recited while performing Kyotsarga.
In Iriyvahiyam sutra, we enumerate and repent for the sins that we may have committed
during our movements. This Sutra is recited to further repent for those sins. We,
therefore, atone by undertaking Kyotsarga to free ourselves of pain we are suffering
caused by practicing religion without right faith, right knowledge, right intention, and for
worldly gains.

24

annattha stra
+zil->Bh, xBh,
JBh, UBh, V<Bh,
=bbBh, -xMMh,
B, {k-SUB.......1.
+M-S,
J-S,
n]`S. .......................2.
B<B +M, +MM +-+,
VV E=MM......3.
V +ih M
ih, xCEh x
{................................4.
i E `hh hh
Zhh, +{{h
..5.
8.

annattha-sasiam, nsasiam,
khsiam, chham, jambhiam,
uuam, vya-nisaggam, bhamal,
pitta-muchchh. .............................1.
suhumhim aga-saclhim,
suhumhim khla-saclhim,
suhumhim dihi-saclhim. ........2.
vamihim grhim, a-bhagg avirhi,
hujja m kussagg...........................3.
jva arihantam bhagavantam,
Meaning
namukkram na prmi..................4.
tva kyam ham mam
25
jham,
appam vsirm
.5.

I shall now engross myself in complete Kyotsarga (meditation), except for breathing in
and out, coughing, sneezing, yawning, belching, letting out bodily gas, fainting, feeling
dizzy, and subtly moving body, phlegm, and eyes.
I shall terminate my Kyotsarga by offering obeisance to Arihanta Bhagawn by saying,
Namo Arihantnam aloud. Until then, I shall not speak, move, or engage in any other
bodily and mental activities.
Explanation
The word Kyotsarga is the Sanskrit translation of the Prkrut word Kusagga.
Kyotsarga means renouncing voluntary bodily and mental activities. It is one of the six
ways of performing internal austerities, which help eradicate karmas (Nirjar). During
Kyotsarga, one should meditate on the real nature of the soul while continuously
remembering that ones body is only the temporary residence of the soul. However, most
people are not able to meditate this way for a substantial period of time. Therefore, Jain
chryas have recommended that one should mentally recite Logassa Sutra (which
follows this sutra) in which one offers obeisance to the 24 Tirthankaras.
The duration of Kyotsarga is specified in terms of respiratory cycles. One respiratory
cycle equals one deep breath in and one deep breath out. Concentrating on breathing
cycles helps achieve the deep concentration necessary for meditation. The most common
duration of Kyotsarga is 25 respiratory cycles. If one does not know Logassa Sutra, one
may instead recite Navakr Mantra four times. However, the best way to do Kyotsarga is
by mentally reciting one line of Logassa Sutra with each breath. This means reciting
Logassa Sutra up to and including the line Chandesu Nimmalayar
Before beginning Kyotsarga, we recite Annattha Sutra to take the vow of Kyotsarga.
However, total renunciation of bodily and mental activities is impossible due to certain
involuntary bodily activities and unavoidable circumstances. Annattha Sutra also
enumerates these exceptions so that we may do Kyotsarga without breaking the vow of
Kyotsarga. These exceptions are known as gr in Prkrut language. There are 12 minor
exceptions to the vow of Kyotsarga, which are implicitly mentioned in Annattha sutra,
and four major exceptions, which are implied in this sutra but not implicitly mentioned.
These exceptions are listed below.
Twelve minor exceptions:
1
2
3
4
5
6

Breathing in
Breathing out
Coughing
Sneezing
Yawning
Belching

7
8
9
10
11
12

Letting out bodily gas


Episode of dizziness
Episode of fainting
Subtle body movements
Movements of body fluids within the body
Subtle movements of eyes

26

Four major exceptions:


1. Being forced to move away from a situation in which small animals are killing
each other if one cannot bear to witness this.
2. Moving away in the event of natural calamities like flood, earthquake, fire, etc.
3. Moving away if attacked by or in danger of being attacked by dangerous animals.
4. Move away in response to orders by a higher authority or landlord.
Any of the above mentioned acts do not break the vow of Kyotsarga.

27

M =VV+-M, viil- Vh.


+i Ek<, S=
{ E...............1.
9. lgassa stra
=-V+ S n, hnh S < S.
{=-{{ {, Vh
S Sn-{{ n.......2.
S {{-ni,
+-VV-{VV S.
-hi S Vh,
v i S n.. ..3.
El + S ,
n h- xVh S.
n ]`-x,
{ i rh S.. . ..4.
B B +l+, - {h-Vh.
S=- { Vh, iil {i............5.
Ek-n-, V
B M =k r.
+MM--,
--k-ni..6.
Sn x-,
+<SS + {.
28
M--M,
r
r ni..............7.

lgassa ujja-gar, dhamma-tittha-yar


ji.
arihant kittaissam, chauvsam pi kval
.......................................................1.
usabha-majiam cha vand,
sambhava-mabhiandaam cha sumaim
cha.
pauma-ppaham supsam, jiam cha
chanda-ppaham vand......................2.
suvihim cha puppha-dantam, salasijjansa-vsu-pujjam cha.
vimala-maantam cha jiam, dhammam
santim cha vandmi...........................3.
kunthum aram cha mallim,
vand mui-suvvayam nami-jiam cha.
vandmi riha-nmim, psam taha
vaddhamam cha..............................4.
vam ma abhithu, vihuya-rayamal paha-jara-mara.
chau-vsam pi jiavar, tittha-yar m
pasyantu.........................................5.
kittiya-vandiya-mahiy, j lgassa
uttam siddh.
rugga-bhi-lbham, samhi-varamuttama-dintu...............................6.
Meaning

chandsu nimmala-yar, ichchsu


ahiyam paysa-yar.
sgara-vara-gambhr, siddh siddhim
29
mama disantu............................7.

I eulogize and worship the 24 Tirthankars of this current descending half phase of the
time cycle. They have achieved Keval-jnn and the distinction of an Arihanta. They
enlighten the entire universe and establish the four-fold Jain Sangha.
I offer my obeisance and bow down to, Bhagawn Shree Rushabhadev, Ajit-nth,
Sambhav-nth, Abhinandan-swmi, Sumati-nth, Padmaprabha-swmi, Suprshva-nth,
Chandraprabha-swmi, Suvidhi-nth (also known as, Pushpadanta-swmi), Shital-nth,
Shreyns-nth, Vsupujya-swmi, Vimal-nth, Anant-nth, Dharma-nth, Shnti-nth,
Kunthu-nth, Ara-nth, Malli-nth, Munisuvrat-swmi, Nami-nth, Nemi-nth, Prshvanth, and Mahvir-swmi.
Oh! All 24 Tirthankaras, your souls are free from the bondage of karmic particles, and
thus you are free of old age as well as cycles of birth and death. You have propagated the
religious order. I praise all of your virtues, offer my obeisance to you, and worship you.
Please bestow upon me the sense to attain perfect knowledge (Keval-jnn), which shall
lead to ultimate liberation.
You have achieved liberation and therefore, the entire universe praises you, worships you,
and offers obeisance to you. Please bestow upon me the right faith (Bodhi-lbh), perfect
spiritual health, and the highest state of contemplation.
Oh! Tirthankar Bhagawn, you are purer than the full moon, brighter than the sun and,
more serene and deeper than the ocean. Oh! Siddha Bhagawn, please bestow upon me
the ultimate Siddhatva (salvation).
Explanation
Logassa Sutra is also known as Chaturvimshati Stava or Chauvisattho. By reciting this
sutra, we worship and praise the virtues of all 24 Tirthankars of current descending half
phase of the time cycle. Jain scriptures recommend six essential activities that a Shrvak
or Shrvik must do everyday. These activities are: Smyika, Chauvisattho, Guru
Vandan, Pratikraman, Kyotsarga, and Pachchakkhn (to take a vow). Thus, by reciting
Logassa Sutra, one worships and offers obeisance to the 24 Tirthankars, and in essence
performs one of the six essential activities of Shrvak and Shrvik.
A few things here need further clarification. In the last three stanzas of Logassa Sutra, the
devotee requests several things from Tirthankaras. However, Tirthankaras do not have
any
and thus
do not givethe
anything
to anyone.
The real essence of these
Theattachments,
Arhats have
propounded
doctrine
of Non-violence,
requests
is largely
misunderstood.
we recite
Sutra,
we do
not really
equally
for those
who areWhen
desirous
to Logassa
practice
it and
those
whoask for
anything; rather, we express our desires in the form of requests. We neither plead nor
are not;
those from
whothe
have
abandoned
and
demand
anything
Tirthankaras.
Whenviolence
we worship
andthose
praisewho
the virtues of
Tirthankars
truewho
devotion
understand
that Tirthankar
Bhagawn
do not give
have not;with
those
are and
deeply
engrossed
in worldly
ties and
anything
to anybody.
We must
our livesof
in such
a way is
thatthe
ourtruth.
desiresIt
will
those who
are not.
Thislead
doctrine
Ahims
isbecome a
reality on their own. We should not request and desire any worldly things from Tirthankar
rightly enunciated
in thedesire
teachings
of the
Arhats.
Bhagawn.
We may, however,
and request
those
things, which will lead us to
liberation.
(See Sutra number
Jai Viyarya
for an one
explanation
Comprehending
the true19,spirit
of the Sutra
doctrine,
shouldof the things
which
may
be
wished
upon
from
Tirthankar
Bhagawn).
practice it till one's last breath.

Bhagawn Mahvir (chranga Sutra, Ch. 4)


30

10. karmi bhant stra


E i! <
VV VM
{SSCJ,
V x {VV
, n, i-
h,
hh, B, EBh, x
E, x E,
i i! {bCE,
xn, M,
+{{h . .1.
karmi bhant! smiyam
svajjam jgam pachchhakkhmi,
Meaning
Oh! Bhagawn, I am now going to do Smyika and therefore, vow to give up all the
sinful activities. As long as I remain in Smyika, I shall not commit any sinful activity in
thought, speech, or action nor shall I encourage anyone to indulge in such activities. Oh!
Bhagawn, I hate myself for committing sinful activities. I repent and apologize for
committing sinful activities. I condemn and censure myself for such sinful activities. By
the virtue of Smyika, I am going to relinquish my soul, which is riddled with sins.
Explanation
Karemi Bhante Sutra is recited to take the vow of Smyika. Smyika means
equanimity. It is observed for 48 minutes, since it is ordinarily not possible for a Shrvak
to remain in equanimity for longer than 48 minutes. As mentioned in Logassa Sutra, Jain
scriptures recommend six essential activities, that a Shrvak and Shrvik must perform
everyday. These activities are Smyika, Chauvisattho, Guru Vandan, Pratikraman,
Kyotsarga, and Pachchakkhn. During Smyika we renounce all worldly activities and
meditates on the true nature of the soul. When we do Smyika we essentially live a life
of a monk for the duration of Smyika. Smyika helps achieve equanimity. This Sutra
is also recited when someone takes a Diksh, even Tirthankar Bhagawn also recite this
Sutra while taking Diksh. Since a monk remains in Smyika Vrata for his entire life,
instead of the words, Jv Niyamam (until I am in Smyika) a word, Jvajjive is
recited, which means, for the entire life.
31

There is nothing as fearful as death, and there is no


suffering as great as birth.
Be free from the fear of both birth and death,
by doing away with attachment to the body.
.Bhagawn Mahvir
(Mulchr, 2/119)

32

11. smiya-vaya-jutt
strah
<--Vk,
V
< x-Vk.
Uz< + E, <
Vk+ .......................1.
< = EB, h <
+ < V.
BBh Ehh,
< EVV................2.
E v , v
{h E,
v V E< +v
< ,
=x E x-Sx-E
SU nCEb...........3.
n x E, n Sx E,
E E -<x k n V
E< n M ,
=x E x-Sx-E
SU nCEb.................4. .4.

smiya-vaya-jutt, jva ma hi
niyama-sajutt.
chhinnai asuham kammam, samiya
jatti vr...........................................1.
smiyammi u ka, sama iva sva
havai jamh.
a kraam, bahus smiyam
kujj..................................................2.
smyika vidhi s liy, vidhi s pra
kiy,
vidhi m, j k avidhi hu h,
una sabak mana-vachana-ky s
33
michchh mi dukkaam.......................3.
dasa mana k, dasa vachana k,

Meaning
As long as someone observes the vow of Smyika, and maintains full control over his
mind, his bad Karmas (sins) are eradicated. Moreover, whenever a person is under the
vow of Smyika, he is just like a monk. Therefore, one should do Smyika over and
over again.
I took the vow of this Smyika according to the prescribed method and I shall terminate
the vow of Smyika also in the prescribed method. I ask for your pardon, if I have
deviated from the prescribed method mentally, verbally, or physically.
If I have committed any of the 10 breaches of mental activity, 10 breaches of speech or
12 breaches of bodily actions, respectively through my mind, speech, or body, I apologize
for the same and ask for your pardon.
Explanation
Karemi Bhante Sutra is recited to take the vow of Smyika, while Smiya Vaya Jutto
Sutra is recited to terminate the vow of Smyika. Smyika is the ultimate way to lead a
life, which can lead to liberation. A monk leads his entire life in the vow of Smyika.
During Smyika one should meditate, study scriptures, and should avoid all worldly
matters. The prescribed duration of Smyika is 48 minutes. Since our mind can
concentrate for only a limited amount of time, it is believed that we are unable to
meditate for longer than 48 minutes. However, if one wants to do more Smyika
continuously, he should take the vow afresh, without terminating the Smyika after each
48-minute duration. One may not, however, perform more than three Smyika
consecutively.
If a Smyika is done in the presence of Guru Mahrj, we should ask for permission
from Guru Mahrj to terminate the Smyika
We should ask, Smyika Pru? (Oh! Guru Mahrj, may I please terminate
Smyika?)
Guru Mahrj will say, Puno Vi Kyavvam (You should do Smyika over and over
again)
We should then say, Yathshakti (I shall do the same, as and when I can)
and we should now say, Smyika Pryu. (I did terminate Smyika.)
Now Guru Mahrj will say, yro Na Mottavvo (Please do not forget the benefits of
Smyika)
We should then say, Tahatti (Yes, Guru Mahrj, I shall do the same)

34

Thirty-two breaches of the vow of Smyika:


Ten breaches of thought:
1. To think of things other than the well-being of the soul
2. To wish for fame through Smyika
3. To desire material benefits, like wealth, through Smyika
4. To be proud of performing Smyika better than others.
5. To perform Smyika out of fear.
6. To wish for and to be sure of receiving worldly gains by performing Smyika.
7. To doubt the benefits of Smyika
8. To become angry during Smyika or to perform Smyika out of anger.
9. To perform Smyika without faith or with disrespect for Smyika
10. To do Smyika without high regards, without proper devotion or without
proper enthusiasm.
Ten breaches of speech:
1. To speak harsh, unpleasant or untrue words.
2. To speak without thinking.
3. To speak against the scriptural teachings.
4. To shorten Smyika Sutras while reciting them.
5. To speak quarrelsome words.
6. To talk about useless stories without any spiritual significance
7. To ridicule or to laugh at others.
8. To mispronounce Smyika sutras.
9. To speak decisively1.
10. To hum or mumble during Smyika
Twelve breaches of physical activity:
1. To sit in an inappropriate manner keeping one leg on the top of the other.
2. To sit on a place that is not well balanced or steady.
3. To look around.
4. To do sinful activities or encourage others to do so.
5. To use a wall or a pillar as a support while sitting.
6. To contract or spread out hands and legs.
7. To stretch
8. To crack joints
9. To cleanse the body.
1

Without regard for the other peoples viewpoint. As per the Jain scriptures only omniscients know the
whole truth

35

10. To sleep
11. To itch
12. To sit while covering up the body with clothes above the waist to stay warm or
to avoid insect bites. (This does not apply to females)

The essence of all knowledge consists in not committing


violence. The doctrine of ahims is nothing but the
observance of equality i.e. the realization that just as I do
not like misery, others also do not like it.
Bhagawn Mahvir
(Sutra-krutnga, 1/1/4/10)

36

As gold does not cease to be gold even


if it is heated in the fire, an
enlightened man does not cease to be
enlightened on being tortured by the
effects of karma
Bhagawn Mahvir
(Samaysr, 184)

37

12. jaga-chintmai chaitya-vandana


<SU-Eh n M
x! Si-xnx E? <SU.
VM-Sxih! VM-x!
VM-M! VM-CJh!
VM-v! VM-il! VM-+CJh!
+]`-`+-!
E]`-hh!
S= { Vh! Vi
+-{{b-h.............1.
E- E-
{f-Ph,
=CE k- Vhh i <;
x-Eb Eh,
Eb- x M<.
{< Vh h,
Eb xh;
h Eb--n+,
lhVV< xSS h..2.
V= V=
kV,
=VVi {-x-Vh, V=
SS=-bh;

38

ichchh-kra sandisaha bhagavan!


chaitya-vandana kar? ichchham.
jaga-chintmai! jaga-nha! jaga-gur!
jaga-rakkhaa!
jaga-bandhava! jaga-satthavha! jagabhva-viakkhaa!
ahvaya-sahavia-rva! kammahavisaa!
chauvsam pi jiavara! jayantu appaihaya-ssaa................................1.
kamma-bhmihim kamma-bhmihim
pahama-saghayai,
ukksaya sattari-saya jia-vara
viharanta labbhai;
nava-kihim kvala, k-sahassa
nava shu gammai.
sampai jiavara vsa mui, bihum
kihim varana;
samaaha ki-sahassa-dua, thuijjai
nichcha vihi....................................2.
jayau smiya jayau smiya risaha
sattuji,
ujjinti pahu-nmi-jia, jayau vra
sachchaur-maaa;
bharu-achchhahim mui-suvvaya,

39

Meaning
Oh! Guru Mahrj, please voluntarily give me permission to do Chaitya Vandan. (If Guru
Mahrj is present, he will say, Please do so.) I accept your permission.
Oh! Tirthankar Bhagawn, you are like the best of the best jewel (Chintmani). You are
the ultimate head of the whole universe. You are the preceptor of the universe. You are
the protector of the universe. You are like an elder brother to the whole universe. You are
the guide of the entire universe and, you perceive the inner thoughts of the entire
universe. Oh! Twenty-four Tirthankaras, your idols are consecrated on Mt. Ashtpad. You
have eradicated all eight categories of Karma. The four-fold Jain order established by you
will prevail unobstructed forever. You are the greatest of the greatest.
In all Karma Bhumi2, there may exist at a time, a maximum 170 Jineshvar Bhagawn,
who are endowed with the most unique and the best physic, 90 million omniscients
(Keval-jnni) and, 90000 million monks. I pray every morning to the twenty
Tirthankaras, 20 million omniscient monks and, 20,000 million other monks who are
currently present.
Oh! Lord, you are the great. You are the great. Oh! Bhagawn Rushabhadev, your idol
graces Mt.Shatrunjay, Oh! Nemi-nth Bhagawn, your idol graces Mt.Girnr, Oh!
Bhagawn Mahvir-swmi, your idol graces the temple in the town of Schor, like a
precious ornament. Oh! Bhagawn Munisuvrat-swmi, your idol graces the temple in the
town of Bharuch. Oh! Bhagawn Prshva-nth, your idol graces the temple in the town of
Mathura and you eradicate the sufferings and the sins of the people 3. I offer my obeisance
to all Jineshvar Bhagawn, who may have ever existed anytime in the past, may exist
anytime in the future or are present now anywhere in the universe.
I am bowing down to the 85,700,282 temples and 15,425,836,080 Tirthankar idols, which
are always present in the universe.
Explanation
In Jag Chintmani Sutra we pray to the temples and idols of Tirthankar Bhagawn
which have always existed and which will always exist.
This Sutra is mostly self-explanatory. However, some explanation is in order, to account
for the number of maximum number of Tirthankars that may be present and the minimum
number of Tirthankaras that are always present at any given time in the universe.
According to Jain scriptures, the shape of universe resembles a man standing with his
hands on waist and legs shoulder-width apart. The universe is divided in four parts. The
very top of the universe is known as Siddha-shil, where the liberated souls exist. The
heavens are located below the Siddha-shil and upto the middle part. The humans live in

Jain scriptures define 15 distinct areas collectively known as Karma Bhumi. It is a place where people
commonly need to use shrapnel, writing instruments and agriculture for their survival.
3

The composer of this Sutra has mentioned name of Prshva-nth as an example.

40

the middle part of the universe, which is known as Madhya-loka. The hells are located in
the lower part of the universe, below the waist.
In Madhya-loka there are an infinite numbers of concentric circles of land alternating
with ocean. The most central region of these circles is a land known as Jambu-dvip. A
ring of ocean surrounds Jambu-dvip. This ocean is surrounded by a ring of land, known
as Dhtaki-khanda. The next land in the series is known as Pushkar-dvip. Dhtaki-khand
is twice the size of Jambu-dvip and Pushkar-dvip is twice the size of Dhtaki Khand.
Jambu-dvip is divided into three sections. The northern part is known as Airvat Kshetra,
the southern part is known as Bharat Kshetra, and the middle section is known as Mah
Videha Kshetra. We live in Bharat Kshetra. Since Dhtaki-khand is twice the size of
Jambu-dvip, it has two Bharat Kshetras, two Airvat Kshetras, and two Mah -videha
Kshetras. Accordingly Pushkar-dvip has four of each Kshetras. All of Jambu-dvip,
Dhtaki-khand, and half of the Pushkar-dvip are collectively considered as Karma
Bhumi. Thus, Karma Bhumi consists of five Bharat Kshetras, five Airvat Kshetras, and
five Mah Videha Kshetras. Tirthankar Bhagawns are not present in Bharat Kshetra and
Airvat Kshetra at all times. If they are present, there could be only one live Tirthankar
Bhagawn in each Kshetra. Mah Videha Kshetra is further divided into 32 sections,
which are known as Vijay. In each Vijay of Mah Videha Kshetra only one Tirthankar
Bhagawn may exist at the same time. However, at any given time there are at least four
Vijay in which Tirthankar Bhagawn is present. Thus, in Mah Videha Kshetra there
could be a maximum of 32 Tirthankar Bhagawn and a minimum of 4 Tirthankar
Bhagawn at any given time.
Thus a maximum of 170 Tirthankar Bhagawns may exist simultaneously in Karma
Bhumi detailed as follows:
5 Bharat Kshetra
5
5 Airvat Kshetra 5
5 Mah Videha Kshetra .. 5 x 32 = 160
Total

170

Likewise a minimum number of 20 Tirthankar Bhagawn may be present at any given


time is detailed as follows:
5 Mah Videha Kshetra ..

5 x 4 = 20.

41

13. jam kichi stra

V ES x-iil, MM
{ h B.
V< Vh-<, i<
< n....................1.
jam kichi nma-tittham, sagg pyli
mus l.
jim jia-bimbim, tim savvim
Meaningvandmi.....................................1.
I bow down to all the places of pilgrimage and, to the idols of Tirthankar Bhagawn
present anywhere in the heavens, lower realm of the universe, and the middle section of
the universe, which is commonly known as Manushya Loka.
Explanation
This sutra is an important Chaitya Vandan Sutra. It is recited after reciting Jag
Chintmani Sutra or other short poetic compositions, which offer obeisance to temples
and the idols of Jineshvar Bhagawn.

42

The transgressions of the enlightened


world-view are: suspicion, misguided
inclination, doubt, praise for the
heretical doctrines, and familiarity with
the heretical doctrines.
..Tattvrtha Sutra (7.18)

43

xil h, +ih,
Mih........................1.
+<-Mh, iil-h,
14. namutthu am stra
-rh...............2.
{kh, {h,
{-{b+h, {-Mv-ilh...........3.
Mkh, Mxh, M-+h,
M-{<h, M{VV+-Mh...............4.
+-nh, SCJ-nh,
MM-nh,
h-nh, nh.................................5.
v-nh, vnh, v-xMh,
v-h, v-S=i-SCE]]h..6.
+{{b--xhnh-vh,
]]-U=h..............7.
Vhh, Vh,
izh, ih,
rh,
h, kh,
+Mh...........................8.
zh, -nh,
--+-hiCJ--{h
k rM<-xv
`h {kh, x
Vhh, V+-h......9.
44
V + +< r,
V +
i-hMB E.

namutthu am, arihantam, bhagavantam.


.........................................................1.
i-garam, tittha-yaram, sayasambuddham..................................2.
purisuttamam, purisa-sham, purisavara-puaram, purisa-vara-gandha-hatth
am.................................................3.
lguttamam, lga-nham, lga-hiam,
lga-pavam, lga-pajja-garam.....4.
abhaya-dayam, chakkhu-dayam, maggadayam,
saraa-dayam, bhi-dayam............5.
dhamma-dayam, dhamma-dsayam,
dhamma-nyagam, dhamma-sraham,
dhamma-vara-churanta-chakkavaam..6.
appaihaya-vara-na-dansaa-dharam,
viyaa-chhaumam.........................7.
jiam, jvayam, tinnam, trayam,
buddham, bhayam, muttam,
magam..........................................8.
savvannam, savva-darisam, sivamayala-marua-maanta-makkhaya-

Meaning
45

I bow down to Arihanta Bhagawn.


Oh! Arihanta Bhagawn:
The right spiritual knowledge originates through your sermons.
You establish the four-fold Jain Sangha and thus, you are called Tirthankar.
You attain Keval-jnn on your own, without the physical presence of a spiritual
Guru.
You are the example of the best human being.
You are the most fearless human being.
You are the best amongst human beings like a Pundarik Lotus4.
You are like the fragrance emanating Gandha Hasti5
You are the most respected being in the entire universe.
You are the supreme entity of the universe.
You are the benefactor of the universe.
You are like a lamp (of knowledge) to the universe.
You illuminate and enlighten the universe (spiritually).
You bestow fearlessness.
You bestow the true understanding of the nature of the soul.
You bestow the right path leading to liberation.
You bestow the ultimate refuge to all living beings.
You bestow right faith.
You bestow true religion.
You preach the truest religion.
You are the supreme king of religion.
You are the only guide, who leads us to true religion.
You have ended the cycles of birth and death in all four realms (human, animal,
subhuman and heaven). You are the beholder of the Dharma Chakra. Thus, you
are like the supreme king (known as Chakravarti).
You are the beholder of everlasting perfect knowledge (Keval-jnn) and perfect
perception.
You have attained the perfect knowledge (Keval Jnn)
You have achieved the status of a Jin (those who have completely conquered the
four passions- anger, ego, deceit and greed), and you help others achieve the
same.
You have ended the cycles of birth, and death and you help others to do the same.
You have attained perfect perception, and you help others to attain the same.
You have attained Moksha, and you help others to do the same.
I bow down to Tirthankar Bhagawn. You know and perceive anything and everything.
Oh! Tirthankar Bhagawn, you have attained Moksha, which is the abode of bliss, which
is free of bodily pains and ailments, which is endless and everlasting, which is free of
sufferings, and from where nobody ever has to return (to four realms of life).
4

Pundarik is a variety of lotus, which is white in color and considered to be the best kind of lotus.
Hasti means elephant. Gandha Hasti is considered to be the best breed of elephant.

46

Oh! Tirthankar Bhagawn, I bow down to you, and all those, who have attained Moksha,
those who will attain Moksha in their current life, and those who will attain Moksha
anytime in future by my thoughts, speech, and body.
Explanation
Shakarendra is the supreme god of the heaven, known as Saudharma heaven. Due to his
special clairvoyance knowledge he immediately knows whenever the soul of a Tirthankar
Bhagawn is conceived. Shakrendra then assumes a specific posture (as depicted in the
diagram below) and recites Namutthunam Sutra. Therefore, this Sutra is also known as
Shakra Stava Sutra and Pranipt-danda Sutra. This Sutra enumerates the virtues of
Tirthankar and offers obeisance to all Tirthankaras and omniscients. The meaning of
some of the virtues described in this Sutra is explained below.

1. Upon attaining Keval-jnn Tirthankar Bhagawn spends the rest of his life in
supreme meditation (Param Shukla Dhyn) and giving sermons. His top disciples,
known as Ganadhars, compose Jain gams based on Tirthankar Bhagawns
sermons. Thus, Tirthankar Bhagawns are the true composers of the gams.
2. Upon attaining Keval-jnn, the first thing Tirthankar Bhagawn does is to reestablish the four-fold Jain Sangha, which consists of Sdhu, Sdhvi, Shrvak,
and Shrvik. The Jain Sangha is also known as a Tirtha, and which explains why
Bhagawn is known as Tirthankar.
3. In general all those who attain Keval-jnn except Tirthankaras, generally have a
spiritual Guru, who preach and/or guide them to attain Moksha. However, those
who are destined to become Tirthankaras are self-realized. They attain Keval-jnn
and Moksha without the help of a spiritual Guru. That is why Tirthankar
Bhagawn is also known as Svayam Sambuddha (self realized).
4. The lotus flower is considered the very best flower and the Pundarik variety of
lotus is considered the very best variety of lotus. Lotus flowers grow in mud and
47

water, but they themselves remain clean and beautiful, untouched by the
impurities of mud and the lure of water. Like the lotus flower, Tirthankar
Bhagawn remains untouched by the passions and the material pleasures of the
world. Tirthankar Bhagawn is serene, beautiful and eye pleasing and is thus
compared to the Pundarik variety of lotus flower.
5. Likewise, Gandha Hasti is considered the best elephant because it emanates a
pleasant fragrance. This unique fragrance is so influential that all other animals
and enemies stay away from Gandh Hasti. Similarly, the fragrance of Tirthankar
Bhagawns great punya keeps all natural calamities, unhappiness, and all
diseases away. Thus, Tirthankar Bhagawn is likened to a Gandh Hasti.
6. Just as a lamp brightens a dark space, Tirthankar Bhagawn illuminates the
darkness of spiritual ignorance and enlightens us in regards to spirituality. He
shows us the path leading to liberation. Thus, Tirthankar Bhagawn is compared
to a lamp and said to be an illuminator.
7. Tirthankar Bhagawn is the supreme example of compassion and friendliness.
Therefore, no living being is ever afraid of him. Likewise, Tirthankar Bhagawn
is never afraid of anything or anybody. Thus, Tirthankar Bhagawn teaches us to
be compassionate and extend fearlessness to all living beings.
8. A Chakravarti (supreme king) has conquered all his enemies to attain this title.
Similarly, Tirthankar Bhagawn has conquered all his true inner enemies (namely
anger, ego, deceit, and greed) and thereby, he has ended the cycles of birth and
death. Thus, Tirthankar is the beholder of Dharma Chakra.
The last stanza of Namutthunam Sutra describes Moksha. Jain scriptures call this place
Siddha-shil, which is located at the very top of the universe. It is the ultimate abode for
liberated souls. A liberated soul has ended the cycles of birth and death and stays on the
Siddha-shil forever with everlasting peace and ultimate bliss. Since the liberated souls
have no physical body, there are no movements, no bodily pains or ailments, and no
mental anguish.

48

15.

jvanti-chiim stra

Vi S<+<, =bf
+ + + i+-B +.
< i< n, <
i iil i<..1.
jvanti chiim, uh a ah a
tiria-l a.
Meaning savvim tim vand, iha sant
tattha santim.1.
I bow down to all the existing idols of Jineshvar Bhagawn present anywhere in the
upper, middle, or the lower part of the universe.
Explanation
This Sutra is also known as Sarva Chaitya Vandan Sutra. Sarva means all, and Chaitya
means either temple or an idol of Jineshvar Bhagawn. In Jag Chintmani Sutra, we offer
obeisance to those temples and idols which have always existed and which will always
exist. In this Sutra, we offer obeisance to only currently existing idols of Jineshvar
Bhagawn present anywhere in the universe.

49

16.

jvanta k vi stra

Vi E ,
--n +.
i {h+, i-
h i-nb-h.
......................................1.
jvanta k vi sh, bharahravayamah-vidh a.
savvsim tsim paa, ti-viha tiMeaning
daa-virayam.................................1.

Sdhu Mahrj and Sdhviji Mahrj do not commit any sinful activities either in their
thoughts, speech, or bodily actions, nor they cause others to do the same or praise others
who commit sinful activity. I bow down in my thoughts, by my speech and by my body,
to all such Sdhu Mahrj and Sdhviji Mahrj, present anywhere in Bharat Kshetra,
Airvat Kshetra, and Mah Videha Kshetra;
Explanation
This Sutra is also Known as Sarva Sdhu Vandan Sutra (Sarva means all) since by
reciting this sutra we offer obeisance to all Sdhu and Sdhviji Mahrj present anywhere
in all 15 Karma Bhumi, namely 5 Bharat Kshetra, 5 Airvat Kshetra and 5 Mah-videha
Kshetra (see explanation section of Sutra 12, Jag Chintmani Sutra, for further details). In
Bharat Kshetra (where we live) and Airvat Kshetra people are not always fortunate to
have the physical presence of Arihanta Bhagawn. Consequently, we do not always have
the benefit of his sermons or his guidance. Therefore, it is the Guru Mahrj, who
preaches us through his sermons and guides us on the path leading to Moksha as
originally preached by Arihanta Bhagawn. Since, Guru Mahrj is extremely important
in our spiritual journey to Moksha, it is extremely important to offer obeisance to Guru
Mahrj to express respect and gratitude for providing spiritual guidance.

50

17.

namrhat stra

xi-rS{v-v&....................1.
namrhat-siddh-chrypdhyyasarva-sdhubhya.1.
Meaning
I bow down to Arihanta Bhagawn, Siddha Bhagawn, chrya Mahrj, Updhyy
Mahrj, and all Sdhu and Sdhvi Mahrj.
Explanation
This Sutra is composed in the Sanskrit language by chrya Shree Siddhasen Diwkar
Suri, who is credited for composing many other valuable Sanskrit works of Jainism. In its
real essence this Sutra is a mini Navakr Mantra. It is usually recited prior to reciting any
Stuti or Stavan and before performing many other important rituals.

51

=MM- {, {
18. uvasagga-haram
sttra
n
E-Ph-CE.
--xz,
M-Eh-+..1.
-M-i, E`
v< V h+.
i M-M-, n]`V Vi =.........2.
S]`= n i, iVZ
{h - <.
x-iB V, {
i x nCJ-nMSS..3.
i k r, SihE{{-{-B.
{i +MPh, V
+ `h..............4.
< l+ ! k-xh +Bh.
i n! nVV ,
{! Vh-Sn!. .5.
uvasagga-haram psam, psam vandmi
kamma-ghaa-mukkam.
visahara-visa-ninnsam, magala-kallavsam..............................................1.
visahara-phuliga-mantam, kah
dhri j say mau.
tassa gaha-rga-mr, duha-jar janti
uvasmam.........................................2.
chihau dr mant, tujjha pam vi
bahu-phal hi.
nara-tirisu vi jv, pvanti na dukkhadgachcham......................................3.
Meaning
tuha sammatt laddh, chintmai52
kappa-pyava-bbhahi.
pvanti aviggham, jv ayarmaram

Oh! Shree Prshva-nth Bhagawn, I bow down to you. Even your caretaker Yaksha
Prshva is capable of nullifying the unfavorable situations caused by other people and/or
other elements. You have eradicated all Karmas. You are capable of nullifying the poison
of the most poisonous snake. You are the abode of bliss and unending happiness.
By reciting the Mantra known as Visahara Fullinga Mantra with faith, people can cure
their misfortunes, chronic illness, plague and other fatal epidemic diseases, and febrile
illnesses.
Aside from the recitation of this Mantra, even sincere obeisance to you contributes to
good fortune. Those, who offer sincere obeisance to you with a deep faith, will have a life
free of sufferings and bad luck, in all of their future human or animal lives.
Attainment of the right knowledge and right faith, as preached by you, is more precious
than Chintmani6 and Kalpa Vruksha7. When one attains right knowledge and right faith,
one attains Moksha without difficulty, wherein there is no old age or death.
Oh! Universally revered Prshva-nth Bhagawn, I eulogize you with a heart full of
devotion. Oh! Jineshvar Prshva-nth Bhagawn, I wish for the right knowledge, right
faith and, right conduct in all my future lives.
Explanation
Uvasagga-haram Sutra is one of the most revered Sutras in Jain tradition. chrya
Bhadrabhu Swmi (504 B.C. to 428 B.C.) composed this Stotra between 442 B.C. and
428 B.C. He was the last Shrut Kevali 8 of current time cycle. Bhadrabhu Swmis
brother Varhmihir was also a Jain monk. After sometime, however, Varhmihir
renounced monk-hood and started to make a living as a fortune-teller. Once he wrongly
forecast the lifespan of a prince and as a result, the king sentenced him to death. After his
death, Varmihir was born as a Vyantar Dev.9 He then caused the epidemic of plague (a
fatal infectious disease) in the Jain Sangha. chrya Bhadrabhu Swmi then composed
Uvasagga-haram Sutra and taught it to people. It is said that continuous recitation of
Uvasagga-haram Sutra by the people eradicated the epidemic of plague.
Jain Karma philosophy states that one has to eradicate bad Karmas by austerities or suffer
the resultant effects of Karma. So the obvious question is how recitation of this or any
other Mantra will be of help. Let us now consider the importance of Mantra.
As previously stated, gams are compiled from the sermons of Bhagawn Shree
Mahvir-swmi. The last gam, which is now extinct, is known as Drashti-vda. The
description of Drashtivda found in other Jain Sutras indicates that this Anga-gam was
6

Chintmani is one kind of jewel described in mythological literature, which is capable of giving anything
that is wished for.
7
Kalpa Vruksha is one kind of tree described in mythological literature, which is capable of yielding
anything that is wished for.
8
Shrut Kevali is the one who has not attained Keval-jnn, but thoroughly knows and understands all the
gams.
9
VyantarDeva is a kind of a heavenly being who gets a pleasure in harassing human beings.

53

the largest of all gam Sutras. It was classified in five parts: (l) Parikrama, (2) Sutra, (3)
Purvagata, (4) Pratham-Anuyoga, and (5) Chulik. The third part, Purvagata, includes 14
Purvas, which contain the Jain religion's endless treasure of knowledge on every subject.
14 Purvas clearly mention the importance Mantra. Recitation of a Mantra for worldly
gains and benefits is not only prohibited but also is fruitless. However, if Mantra,
expressing devotion and prayers to Yaksha and Yakshini, is recited with devotion and
faith for the benefit of sufferings of other people, to eradicate natural calamities, or for
the protection of Jain temples, Jain religion, and Sangha, recitation of mantra will
definitely help eliminate these misfortunes.
Most Mantras express devotion to heavenly beings, and Yaksha and Yakshini. When to be
Tirthankar Bhagawn attains Keval-jnn, Shakrendra, the supreme Deva of Saudharma
Devaloka, due to his deep devotion to Tirthankar Bhagawn, assigns a dedicated Yaksha
to take care of Arihanta Bhagawn. Yaksha and Yakshini are not yet liberated and hence,
they still have passions. Visahara Fullinga Mantra is in devotion to Prshva Yaksha, who
is the caretaker Yaksha of Prshva Nth Bhagawn. This mantra is as follows:
Namiuna Psa Visahara Vasaha Jina Fullinga
This Mantra is also recited by adding other specific holy words. One example is
following version, which was composed by renowned chrya Shree Mntunga Suri.
Om Rhim Shreem Arham Namiuna Psa Visahara Vasaha Jina Fulling Rhim
Namah
When a mantra is recited with true devotion and faith, Yaksha and Yakshini can bring
forth the beneficial effects, if they are pleased. Uvasagga-haram Sutra is a devotional
Sutra dedicated to Shree Prshva-nth Bhagawn. Since Prshva Yaksha is deeply
devoted to Prshva-nth Bhagawn; reciting Uvasagga-haram Sutra pleases Prshva
Yaksha and, therefore brings forth the beneficial results. It is however important to
remember that when we recite Navakr-mantra we offer obeisance to Pancha Paramesthi
(Arihanta, Siddha, chrya, Updhyya, and Sdhu/Sdhvi). Tirthankar Bhagawn is
Vitargi and hence does not help or hurt anyone.

54

V ! VM-M!, =
i
{{+
!.
19. jaya
vyarya! stra
-x+ MMh+
<]`-r....................1.
M-r-SS+ M-Vh{+ {il-Eh S.
-M-VM ih-
h +-Jb.............2.
VV< V< xh-vh
! i .
i VV ,
i Shh.................3.
nCJ-CJ+ E-CJ+, h S - +.
{VV= B+, i x!
{h-Ehh...............4.
-M-M, Eh-Eh.
|vx -vh, Vx
Vi
x..5.
jaya vyarya! jaga-guru!, hu mamam tuha
ppabhva bhayava!.
bhava-nivv maggusri ihaphalasiddh...............................................1.
lga-viruddha-chch guru-jaa-p
parattha-karaam cha.
suha-guru-jg tavvayaa-sva bhavamakha..................................2.
vrijjai jai vi niya-bandhaam vyarya!
tuha samay.
taha vi mama hujja sv, bhav bhav
Meaning
tumha chalaam..............................3.
dukkha-kkha kamma-kkha,
samhi55
maraam ca bhi-lbh a.
sampajjau maha am, tuha nha! pama-

Oh! Vitarga Paramtm, Oh! Spiritual preceptor of the universe, through your teachings,
incessantly throughout this life and in all future lives, I wish to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Attain detachment from worldly life


Lead a life on the path of right conduct, as you preached.
Attain salvation
Lead a life of high morals and ethics
Be respectful to, and take good care of Guru Mahrj and elderly people
Be helpful and of service to others
Be in close touch of the right spiritual Guru: and
Follow Gurus instructions and orders.

Oh! Vitarga Paramtm, I am aware of the fact that your teachings advise against asking
anything from you. In spite of this, I wish to be of service to you at your feet, during this
and all future lives. Oh! Bhagawn, I bow down to you, and further desire for:
1. Freedom from the cycles of birth and death, which are the cause of ultimate
unhappiness.
2. Eradication of my karmas
3. A peaceful death in perfect equanimity: and
4. Right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct
Jain Darshan and the Jain way of life are the most auspicious. They are the cause of
ultimate bliss (Moksha). They are the greatest of all religious philosophies.
Explanation
Jaya Viyarya Sutra is also known as Pranidhna Sutra or Prrthan Sutra. This Sutra is
a humble request to Vitarga Bhagawn for the twelve things mentioned above for this
life and all future lives. As explained in Logassa Sutra (Sutra number 9), one expresses
his desires essentially as requests. Jain Darshan categorically, prohibits requesting and
desiring any worldly gains and good fortunes from Tirthankar Bhagawn. However,
aspiring for detachment from the worldly things, and right faith, right knowledge, and the
right conduct leading to Moksha is the real essence of Jain Darshan. Jainism is the only
religious philosophy that puts the burden of liberation on our own shoulders. It makes us
responsible for our own actions and makes us work to destroy our bad karmas on our
own. Therefore, the Jain philosophy of friendliness, compassion, and pardon is the best
way of life among all religious philosophies.

56

20.

arihanta-chiyam stra

+i-S<h, E
E=MM..........................1.
nh-k+B, {+h-k+B,
CE-k+B,
h-k+B, -k+B,
xMM-k+B...........2.
rB, B, v<B, vhB,
+h{{B bfhB,
` E=MM. .3.
arihanta-chiyam, karmi
kussaggam......................................1.
vandaa-vatti, paa-vatti, sakkravatti,

Meaning
Oh! Arihanta Bhagawn, I wish to perform Kyotsarga to offer obeisance to you; to
worship you; to express my reverence to you; to respect you; to attain right knowledge,
right faith and right conduct; and to attain salvation.
I am doing this Kyotsarga with an ever-increasing level of faith, intellect, tranquility,
determination, and contemplation.
Explanation
In this Sutra we offer obeisance to the idols of Arihanta Bhagawn. This sutra and
Annattha Sutra (Sutra number 8), are recited before doing Kyotsarga to offer obeisance
to Arihanta Bhagawn

57

21.

kalla-kandam stuti

Eh-En {f
Vhn, i i+ xVh hn.
{ { MhCE`h, k< n rh...............................1.
+{--q-{,
{k ni <CE-.
Vhn -n-n,
Eh-h -En.
.................................................2.
xh-MM -Vh-E{{,
{h--E<-n{{.
Vhh h
h, x xSS
iVM-{{h.............. .3.
Enn-MCJ-iz, V-il E
xz.
B {il-MM-il,
+ {il.
.4.
kalla-kandam pahamam jiindam,
santim ta nmi-jiam muindam.
psam paysam suguikka-ham,
bhatti vand siri-vaddhamam.......1.
Meaning
58

With true devotion I bow down to: first Tirthankar Shree Rushabhadev Bhagawn, who is
the source of prosperity; to Shree Shnti-nth Bhagawn; to Shree Nemi-nth Bhagawn,
who is like a supreme monk; to Shree Prshva-nth Bhagawn, who enlightens the
universe and, is the abode of supreme virtues; and, to Bhagawn Shree Mahvir-swmi.
Oh! Tirthankar Bhagawn, you have successfully crossed the ocean of worldly life. I also
desire Moksha, which is the real essence of your teachings. Oh! Jineshvar Bhagawn, all
the heavenly deities also offer obeisance to you. You are the ultimate source of ultimate
and everlasting bliss.
Your preachings are the best (and only) medium through which one can attain Moksha.
Through your preachings you have exposed and then destroyed incorrect viewpoints, Oh!
Jineshvar Bhagawn, I am bowing down to your preachings, which are the refuge even to
scholars and, which are the best in all three realms (upper, middle and lower realms).
Oh! Saraswati Devi,10 holding a lotus in one hand and a book in the other; seating on a
lotus flower, please bless me. You are as beautiful as a jasmine flower and a full moon.
Your complexion is as white as cows milk and fresh snow. Please bestow upon me the
ultimate happiness.

10

Saraswati Devi is the goddess of knowledge

59

60

Section - II
A complete guide of how to do
Smyika, Chaitya Vandan
and
Pratikraman
Adopted from an original concept presented by
Shree Manubhai Doshi
in
Introduction to Shree Samvatsari Pratikraman

61

62

Paryushan Parva
Paryushan Parva is the most important festival in the Jain tradition. The eight days of
Paryushan Parva begin on the twelfth day of the dark half of the month of Shrvan.
Paryushan ends on the day of Samvatsari day, which is the fourth day of the bright
half of the month of Bhdarvo (per Hindu calendar). Paryushan usually falls during
the months of August or September.
Traditionally, festivals are a time for celebration, jubilation, enjoyment, and
entertainment. But Jain festivals are meant for renunciation, austerities, study of the
scriptures, recitation of holy hymns, meditation, and expression of devotion for the
Tirthankars. Paryushan Parva is a time to reflect and repent for the undesirable
activities we did over the year. It is a period to observe austerities to shed
accumulated karma. Observing austerities helps control our desires for material
pleasures, which makes it an important element of spiritual training.
During Paryushan, most temples hold regular ceremonies in their prayer rooms and
meditation halls. During the first three days of Paryushan, Sdhus and Sdhvis deliver
sermons related to the five essential activities that Shrvaks and Shrviks are
required to do during Paryushan. These five essential activities are:
1. Amri Pravartan: Leading a non-violent life and working towards a non-violent
world;
2. Sdharmik Vtsalya: Respecting fellow beings who follow the Jain philosophy
3. Attham Tapa: Fasting for three consecutive days
4. Chaitya Paripti: Going in groups to different Jain temples for Darshan; and
5. Kshampan: Doing the Pratikraman. .
On the fourth day of Paryushan, a ceremonious reverence is given to the Kalpa Sutra.
The Kalpa Sutra is a holy scripture that includes a detailed account of Bhagawn
Mahvirs life. The Kalpa Sutra is read to the congregation from the fourth through
the last day of Paryushan. On the fifth day, the auspicious dreams of Bhagawn
Mahvirs mother Trishal are celebrated in a special ceremony.
The final day of Paryushan, known as Samvatsari, is the most important day of
Paryushan. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from family, friends, enemies, and
any one else with whom they have had problems and/or hard feelings for hurting
them in any way, either knowingly or unknowingly, during the year. Jain scriptures
advise that, forgiving all and not harboring ill will towards anyone, is a definite step
forward in the spiritual journey towards liberation. Accordingly, the annual
Samvatsari Pratikraman is the most important day in Jain tradition.
While meditating and purifying ourselves during the eight days of Paryushan, we to
strive to realize ourselves in the truest sense. We call the Festival of Paryushan the
Festival of the Soul because when we forgive, we become one with the light of our
soul.

63

The word Paryushan has several different meanings:


1. Pari + ushan = all kinds + to burn = to burn (shed) all types of karmas.
Jain scriptures prescribe 12 different types of austerities including- fasting, which
helps shed our karmas.
2. Another meaning of ushan is to stay closer. Thus, Paryushan can also mean to
stay closer to our soul and to stay absorbed in our own-self (soul). Performing
Swdhyy (self-study), meditation, and austerities are recommended activities to
become closer to ones soul
3. Pari + Upashaman = Upashaman means to suppress our passions (Kashyas anger, ego, deceit, and greed) from all sources.
The purpose of life according to Jain teachings is to realize oneself, to experience
wholeness with own soul, peace, and to have reverence for all life.
Therefore, the real purpose of the Paryushan is to purify our souls by staying closer to our
souls, to look at our faults, to ask for forgiveness for our mistakes, and to take vows to
minimize our faults. During Paryushan we should strive to minimize our worldly affairs
so that we can concentrate on our true selves.
Asking for forgiveness may be difficult. Therefore, our great chryas have said:
Ksham Virasya Bhushanam, Kshamvni Michchh Mi Dukkadam. (To ask for
forgiveness is a great quality of the brave ones. If I have committed any mistakes, either
knowingly or unknowingly, I ask for your forgiveness.) The process of shedding karma
begins by asking for forgiveness with sincerity and vowing to not repeat put mistakes.
Forgiveness requires humility (Vinay - absence of ego) and suppression of anger.
Shvetmbars observe eight days of Paryushan, while Digambars celebrate a ten-day of
Dash-Lakshan Parva, which begins on the last day of Shvetmbar Paryushan. The
Digambar tradition celebrates the ten best characteristics of the soul, which are:
1. Ksham (forgiveness),
2. Mrdava (humility),
3. rjava (straightforwardness),
4. Shaucha (contentment or absence of greed),
5. Satya (truth),
6. Samyam (restraint of all senses),
7. Tapa (austerities),
8. Tyg (charity),
9. kinchan (non-possessiveness), and
10. Brahmacharya (celibacy).

What is Pratikraman?
During our life, we undertake different activities, some of which benefit the soul and
some of which do not. In its purest form, the soul has infinite perception, infinite
knowledge, infinite energy, and infinite bliss. These attributes are not realized by a
worldly soul (soul which is not yet liberated) because it is covered with karmas. Karmas
are primarily accumulated as a result of the four passions: anger, ego, deceit, and greed.
64

Tirthankars have explained many ways to free us from these four passions to help attain
Moksha. It is in the best interest of every living being that we refrain from these passions.
Accordingly, Jainism recommends various restraints and limitations, which are conducive
to spiritual development. We do not, however, always follow those limitations from time
to time; in fact, many of us regularly go astray from the prescribed recommendations.
Whenever such transgressions occur, we need to turn back. This turning back is known
as Pratikraman. In the present context, turning back means refraining from activities that
are not beneficial to the soul. Thus, Pratikraman is a means of atonement for wrong
actions.
Pratikraman is one of the six daily essential activities (vashyak). Practicing these six
essential rites with true faith on a daily basis helps our soul progress spiritually.
Tirthankars and chryas have placed great emphasis on the importance of doing
Pratikraman every morning and evening. The evening Pratikraman is performed to repent
sins committed during the day, and the morning Pratikraman is performed to repent sins
committed during the night. However, if one cannot perform daily Pratikraman, one
should perform biweekly, quarterly, or, at the least, yearly Pratikraman. Jain scriptures
recommend that all Jains do yearly Pratikraman, which is called Samvatsari Pratikraman.
The Pratikraman procedure presented here is not a direct translation of the traditional
Samvatsari Pratikraman. Rather, it is a short synopsis that conveys the essence of a daily
Pratikraman.

Six Essential Activities (vashyak)


There are six essential activities that every layman and laywoman should perform daily.
The Sanskrit term for essential is vashyak. Practicing these six essential rites with true
faith, we can detach from passions and progress spiritually. These six essentials are as
follows:

1. Smyika - The Practice of Equanimity


Smyika means to remain calm and undisturbed; to discard all sinful activities; to
engage in spiritual activities; to be free of all passions; to treat all living beings equally,
and to have no feelings of like, dislike, attachment, desire, or aversion. Smyika is the
essence of Tirthankars teachings; perfect Smyika is ideal conduct.
Smyika helps us achieve a calm mind and temperament. It is the process of Smyika
that enhances the quality of equanimity, the process that takes one closer to the soul.
From a realistic point of view, during Smyika, the soul is in its purified state.
Spiritually speaking, time spent in equanimity is the only meaningful time. No one has
attained Moksha, no one is attaining Moksha, and no one will attain Moksha without the
practice of Smyika. One must practice Smyika to attain right faith, right knowledge,
and right conduct. Jain monks and nuns take the vow to remain in Smyika for their
entire lives at the time of taking Diksh and thus remain in the state of equanimity,
throughout their lives. When a layperson practices Smyika, he spends his time as a
Sdhu. Laypersons should try to do at least one Smyika every day.

65

2. Chauvisattho - Worshipping Tirthankar Bhagawn


Chauvisattho means praying and appreciating the attributes of the 24 Tirthankars. By
striving to attain these qualities, we can control our passions. By reciting Logassa Sutra
we offer obeisance to the 24 Tirthankar Bhagawn, and therefore it is known as
Chaturvimshati-Stava. By reciting Logassa Sutra with true faith, we strive to attain the
qualities of Tirthankar and, thus, purify our beliefs and attain right faith. Those who
possess right faith will ultimately attain Moksha.

3. Guru Vandan - Offering Obeisance to Guru Mahrj


Vandan means respecting and saluting. In the absence of a Tirthankar, our true spiritual
teachers are Jain chryas, Updhyys, and Sdhus, who show us the path to liberation.
chryas, Updhyys, and Sdhus are true practitioners of the path to liberation. By
paying respect to them, we subdue our ego, control our passions, and develop humility
(Vinay). This process helps us advance spiritually.

4. Pratikraman - Turning Back from Transgressions


Pratikraman means reviewing our daily activities and concentrating on refraining from
the sins committed during the day. "Prati" means, "back, and "Kraman" means "to go.
Pratikraman, therefore, means to go back, review, confess, and repent for bad thoughts
and actions in our daily activities. It also means going back to the path of non-violence,
truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-attachment. Pratikraman means asking
forgiveness for our wrongful acts without reservation, vowing to minimize these acts,
forgiving others for their faults, and extending friendship. Pratikraman helps to stop the
influx of karma that obscures the true nature of the soul.
We can shed karma by practicing penance in 12 different ways - six external ways and six
internal ways. External penance detaches us from the external world (like pleasures of
five senses and the mind and body) and prepares us for our spiritual journey. Internal
penance helps realize the true nature of the soul. One cannot begin our spiritual journey
without examining our faults, atoning for our faults by asking for forgiveness, and
resolving not to commit them in future. These three constitute the first kind of internal
penance, called Pryashchitta (repentance); this is the essence of Pratikraman

5. Kusagga - Concentration and Meditation


Kusagga means becoming detached from the body. Most of our misery and unhappiness
stems from our attachment to our bodies. The process of Kusagga, also known as
Kyotsarga, involves making the body and mind as steady as possible so that we can
concentrate on and experience the feeling that our soul is separate from our body. This
process helps reduce attachment to material things.

6. Pachchakkhn - Taking Appropriate Vows


Pratykhyn or Pachchakkhn refers to the abandonment of things harmful to the soul
and acceptance of things beneficial to the soul. Taking Pachchakkhn means taking vows
appropriate to our capabilities, disengaging from worldly objects, and engaging in the
process of purification. When we take Pachchakkhn, we renounce certain activities for a
pre-determined period of time to discipline ourselves.

66

Importance of Pratikraman
Of the six essential activities, Pratikraman is the most important since it encompasses the
other five essential activities, as explained below.
Before Pratikraman begins, we must take a vow of Smyika. During Pratikraman, by
reciting Logassa and Namutthunam Sutras, we bow down to and offer obeisance to the 24
Tirthankars and their attributes. By reciting Panchindiya and Khamsaman Sutras, we
bow down to the ascetics and their attributes. Thus, Pratikraman includes Chauvisattho
and Dev-Vandan essentials. Pratikraman is done while sitting or standing in a meditative
posture, which is Kyotsarga. During Pratikraman, we are also required to take
Pachchakkhn appropriate to our capacity.
The Pratikraman procedure includes the recitation of many Sutras. The Sutras are written
in Ardha-Mgadhi (the common language during Bhagawn Mahvirs time) and
Sanskrit languages. These Sutras consist of many hymns in praise of the Tirthankars and
many verses of repentance and confession.
Spiritual Meanings of the Items Used in Smyika & Pratikraman
Charavalo: Charavalo is made by attaching hundreds of soft white strings of yarn to a
wooden stick If we must move during Smyika or
Pratikraman, we should use Charavalo to gently clean the
floor and clear the space of even the tiniest living beings.
Spiritually, the Charavalo symbolizes non-violence and the
importance of cleansing our souls of all karma particles. The
Charavalo and Muhapatti both constantly remind us that we
are in Smyika and we must exercise equanimity during
Smyika.
Katsanu: Katsanu, also known as sana, is a rectangular piece of cloth
to sit on while performing Smyika or Pratikraman.
Muhapatti: : Muhapatti is a 10 to 12-inch square piece of white cloth. The
cloth is folded in half, the folded end is folded again
about one inch, and then folded laterally so it has
three open sides and one closed side. This symbolizes that we can
attain Moksha only as humans and not from the other three realms
of life. Muhapatti is used to cover the mouth while reciting
Smyika Sutras, reminding us to be careful about what we say,
and to refrain from lying and saying provocative useless things. In addition, Muhapatti
reminds us to restrain our speech, to speak only when necessary, and to be humble and
courteous. Finally, Muhapatti also keeps our spit from falling on religious objects and
books.
Religious books: Religious books help us study for 48 minutes during Smyika.

67

Sthpanchrya: It is difficult to progress spiritually without proper guidance from the


right guru. If, however, a Guru Mahrj is not present during
Pratikraman or Smyika, we establish the gurus seat by putting a
religious book that contains Navakr Mahmantra and Panchindiya
Sutra along with a Navakrvli on a Spad (bookstand). We sit facing
East or North in front of the Gurus seat. This enables us to maintain
discipline during Smyika and develop humility
Purifying the mind is very critical for Smyika, since a pure mind generates pure speech.
Having a clean space, body, and clothes is also important when doing Smyika.
Smyika should be done according to the procedure prescribed by our great chryas.
No modifications should be made, and all Sutras should be recited as correctly as
possible. We must take the vow of Smyika before starting Pratikraman. After
Pratikraman, we must conclude Smyika. We must do Smyika with true faith and not
as a mere mechanical or thoughtless ritual.
Guidelines for doing meaningful Pratikraman:

Have clean body, mind, and thoughts.


Wear clean simple clothes.
Use Charavalo, Katsanu, Muhapatti, a Spado (stand for books), a Navakrvli
(rosary) and religious books.
Keep Muhapatti in front of the mouth when reciting Sutras.
Use Charavalo to gently clean the floor and clear the area of living beings, and then
put Katsanu on the floor before sitting.
Avoid using the restroom during Pratikraman.
Observe silence during Pratikraman.
Do not eat, drink, or chew.

All unenlightened persons produce sufferings.


Having become deluded, they produce and
reproduce sufferings, in this endless world.
.Bhagawn Mahvir (Uttardhyayan, 6/1)

68

Pratikraman
Smyika: The First vashyak
Place a religious book, which contains Navakr Mahmantra and Panchindiya Sutra on
a Spado. Place a Navakrvli on the book, and assume that this is the seat of a
preceptor (or guru). Hold the Muhapatti in your left hand in front of the mouth and
extend your right arm towards the Sthpanji with the right palm facing the Sthpanji.
Now, recite Navakr mantra.
nam arihantam.
nam siddham.
nam yariyam.
nam uvajjhyam.
nam l savva-sham.
s pacha-namukkr, savva-pva-ppasa;
magalam cha savvsim, pahamam havai magalam.
Meaning:
I offer obeisance to the Tirthankaras (Arihantas).
I offer obeisance to the liberated souls (Siddhas).
I offer obeisance to the heads of religious order (chryas).
I offer obeisance to the masters of religious scriptures (Updhyys).
I offer obeisance to all the monks and nuns in the entire universe (Sdhus and Sdhvis).
This five-fold obeisance is the destroyer of all sins.
Amongst all the auspicious things, it is the first and most auspicious thing.
Now we will offer our respect to the chryas (preceptors or gurus) by reciting the
Panchindiya Sutra. chryas are the heads of the religious order. They have studied
all the scriptures. They guide us and lead us toward the path of liberation. They have
36 attributes, as detailed in the following Sutra.

pachindiya stra
pachindiya-samvara, taha nava-viha-bambhachraguttidhar.
chauviha-kasya-mukk, ia ahrasa-guhim sajutt.....1.
pacha-mahavvaya-jutt, pacha-vihyra-plaa-samatth.
pacha-sami tigutt, chhattsa-gu gur majjha.............2.

69

Meaning:
My Guru Mahrj has attained perfect control over the pleasures and pains associated
with the five-sense organs. He observes complete celibacy in the nine prescribed ways.
He is free from the four kinds of passions: anger, ego, deceit, and greed. Thus, my Guru
Mahrj possesses these 18 virtues.
In addition my Guru Mahrj observes the five great vows and five codes of conduct
(regarding knowledge, faith, conduct, austerities, and vigor). He observes five kinds of
carefulness (while moving, speaking, accepting alms, placing or replacing anything, and
disposing bodily waste). He observes three kinds of restraints (regarding the mind,
speech, and body) in all daily activities. Thus, my Guru Mahrj possesses a total of 36
qualities.
Now, let us kneel down at the feet of Bhagawn and the Gurus while reciting the
following Sutra.
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi.
Meaning:
Oh! Guru Mahrj! I wish to offer my obeisance to you. I am giving up all sinful
activities to the best of my ability, and I am bowing down my head to you.
Every spiritual activity should be done with vigilance in order to avoid even the most
minute violence. We must observe non-violence to the utmost possible extent. We may
have, either knowingly or unknowingly, committed violence or caused distress to other
living beings while moving. To atone for these intentional or unintentional acts of
violence, we will now do Kusagga. For that purpose, we will first recite the
Iriyvahiyam Sutra, which explains the ways in which we may have caused violence.

iriyvahiy stra
ichchh-kra sandisaha bhagavan! iriyvahiyam
paikkammi? ichchham, ichchhmi paikkamiu.................1.
iriyvahiy, virha....................................................2.
gamagama...............................................................3.
pa-kkama, bya-kkama, hariya-kkama, s-uttigapaaga-daga-ma-makka-sant-sakama...............4.
j m jv virhiy..........................................................5.
gindiy, bindiy, tindiy, chaurindiy, pachindiy......6.
abhihay, vattiy, lsiy, saghiy, saghaiy,
pariyviy, kilmiy, uddaviy, h ham sakmiy, jviy
vavarviy, tassa michch mi dukkaam.............................7.
70

Meaning:
Oh! Guru Mahrj, please voluntarily give me permission to apologize and repent (to do
Pratikraman) for the sins that I may have committed while moving around. (Now Guru
Mahrj will say, Please do so.)
I accept your permission. Now I want to apologize and repent (to do Pratikraman).
While walking, I may have trampled living beings, seeds, green vegetation, dew, ant
burrows, moss, wet soil, and spider webs. I may have hurt one-sensed, two-sensed, threesensed, four-sensed, or five-sensed living beings by kicking them, covering them with
dirt, trampling them, colliding them with each other, or touching them. I may have caused
trouble to them by distressing them, frightening them, displacing them, or killing them.
Therefore, I repent and apologize for all these sins that I may have committed.
Now, we recite following sutra.

tassa uttar sutra


tassa uttar-karaam, pyachchhitta-karaam,
vish-karaam, visall-karaam, pva kammam
nigghyaah, hmi kussaggam.
Meaning:
Now, I want to absolve all my sins (as mentioned in the previous sutra) by repenting. To
purify my soul and make it free of the pain (caused by practicing religion without right
faith, practicing religion just for the show and practicing religion for worldly gains.) and
to completely destroy all my sins, I shall now perform Kyotsarga.
We will now take the vow of Kusagga by reciting following Sutra

annattha-stra
annattha-sasiam, nsasiam, khsiam, chham,
jambhiam, uuam, vya-nisaggam, bhamal,
pitta-muchchh. ...........................................................1.
suhumhim aga-sachlhim, suhumhim khlasachlhim,
suhumhim dihi-sachlhim. ....................................2.
vamihim grhim, a-bhagg a-virhi,
hujja m kussagg.........................................................3.
jva arihantam bhagavantam,
namukkram na prmi...............................................4.

71

tva kyam ham mam jham, appam


vsirmi.5

72

Meaning:
I shall now engross myself in complete Kyotsarga (meditation), except for breathing in
and out, coughing, sneezing, yawning, belching, letting bodily gas out, dizziness or
fainting, and subtle movements of body, phlegm, and eyes.
I shall terminate my Kyotsarga by offering obeisance to Arihanta Bhagawn (by saying
Namo Arihantnam aloud). Until then, I shall not speak or move and renounce all other
bodily and mental activities.
Now we do Kusagga. Kusagga literally means to give up the body. During Kusagga,
we must stay motionless (except for the exceptions mentioned above) and meditate. We
can assume either of the following postures during Kusagga.

Now, stay focused and recite Navakr Mantra four times OR Logassa Sutra in your mind.
Conclude Kusagga by saying Namo Arihantnam aloud. Now we will recite Logassa
Sutra to offer obeisance to the 24 Tirthankars.

lgassa-stra
lgassa ujja-gar, dhamma-tittha-yar ji.
arihant kittaissam, chauvsam pi kval.......................1.
usabha-majiam cha vand,
sambhava-mabhiandaam cha sumaim cha.
pauma-ppaham supsam, jiam cha chanda-ppaham vand..2.
suvihim cha puppha-dantam, sala-sijjansa-vsu-pujjam cha.
vimala-maantam cha jiam, dhammam santim cha vandmi..3.
73

kunthum aram cha mallim,


vand mui-suvvayam nami-jiam cha.
vandmi riha-nmim, psam taha vaddhamam cha......4.
vam ma abhithu, vihuya-raya-mal paha-jara-mara.
chau-vsam pi jiavar, tittha-yar m pasyantu.............5.
kittiya-vandiya-mahiy, j lgassa uttam siddh.
rugga-bhi-lbham, samhi-vara-muttama-dintu............6.
chandsu nimmala-yar, ichchsu ahiyam paysa-yar.
sgara-vara-gambhr, siddh siddhim mama disantu........7.
Meaning:
I eulogize and worship the 24 Tirthankars of the current descending half phase of the time
cycle. They have achieved Keval-jnn and the distinction of an Arihanta. They enlighten
the entire universe and establish the four-fold Jain Sangha.
I offer my obeisance and bow down to Bhagawn Shree Rushabhadev, Ajit-nth,
Sambhav-nth, Abhinandan-swmi, Sumati-nth, Padmaprabha-swmi, Suprshva-nth,
Chandraprabha-swmi, Suvidhi-nth (also known as Pushpadanta-swmi), Shital-nth,
Shreyns-nth, Vsupujya-swmi, Vimal-nth, Anant-nth, Dharma-nth, Shnti-nth,
Kunthu-nth, Ara-nth, Malli-nth, Munisuvrat-swmi, Nami-nth, Nemi-nth, Prshvanth, and Mahvir-swmi.
Oh! All 24 Tirthankaras, your souls are free from the bondage of karmic particles, and
thus you are free of old age as well as cycles of birth and death. You have propagated the
religious order. I praise all of your virtues, offer my obeisance to you, and worship you.
Please bestow upon me the ability to attain perfect knowledge (Keval-jnn), which shall
lead to ultimate liberation.
You have achieved liberation and, therefore, the entire universe praises you, worships
you, and offers obeisance to you. Please bestow upon me the right faith (Bodhi-lbh),
perfect spiritual health, and the highest state of contemplation.
Oh! Tirthankar Bhagawn, you are purer than the full moon, brighter than the sun, and
more serene and deeper than the ocean. Oh! Siddha Bhagawn, please bestow upon me
the ultimate Siddhatva (salvation).
As a sign of respect, we should ask for permission before beginning any religious activity.
We now seek permission to inspect Muhapatti. First, we bow down while reciting
Khamsaman Sutra.
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi

74

Now we ask for permission to inspect Muhapatti by saying:


Ichchhkren sandisah Bhagawn! Smyika Muhapatti Padilehu?
Meaning:
I wish to have your honors permission to inspect Muhapatti for the purpose of
performing Smyika.
If Guru Mahrj were present, he would give permission by saying:
Padilehe a.
Meaning:
Please do so.
Now we accept his permission by saying:
Ichchham.
Meaning:
I accept your permission.
Now, unfold the Muhapatti and turn it three times to make sure that not even a minute
insect has crept in. If any insects are there, we should carefully remove them and put
them in a place where they cannot get hurt. The purpose of this is to remain as vigilant
as possible in observing non-violence.
We are now ready to take the vow of Smyika. First, we bow down while reciting
Khamsaman Sutra.
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi
Now we seek permission by asking:
Ichchhkren Sandisah Bhagawn! Smyika sandishu?
Meaning:
Oh! Forgiving Gurudev, may I have your kind permission to take the vow of Smyika?
If Guru Mahrj were present, he would give permission by saying:
Sandisheh.
Meaning:
Please do so.

75

Now we accept his permission by saying:


Ichchham
Meaning:
I accept your permission.
Now we bow down again while reciting Khamsaman Sutra.
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi
Now we seek permission to begin Smyika by asking:
Ichchhkren Sandisah Bhagawn! Smyika thu?
Meaning:
Oh! Forgiving Gurudev, may I have your kind permission to begin Smyika?
If Guru Mahrj were present, he would give permission by saying:
Theh.
Meaning:
Please do so.
Now we accept the permission by saying:
Ichchham
Meaning:
I accept your permission.
Now, please stand up (using the Charavalo) and, with folded hands raised high (at the
level of the forehead), recite Navakr Mantra. Then ask Guru Mahrj to give the vow
of Smyika by saying:
Ichchhakri Bhagawn! Pasya kari Smyika dandak ucharoji.
Meaning:
Oh! Forgiving Gurudev, please kindly give me the vow of Smyika
Now, take the following vow from the Guru Mahrj. If the Guru Mahrj is not present,
take the vow from an elderly person. If an elderly person is not present, recite the
following Sutra to take the vow yourself.

76

Taking the Vow of Smyika:


karmi bhant
karmi bhant! smiyam svajjam jgam pachchakkhmi,
jva niyamam pajjuvsmi, duviham, ti-viham,
maam, vy, kam, na karmi, na kravmi,
tassa bhant! paikkammi, nindmi, garihmi,
appam vsirmi...............................................................1
Meaning:
Oh! Graceful Gurudev, I am now going to do Smyika and, therefore, vow to give up all
sinful activities. As long as I remain in Smyika, I shall not commit any sinful activities
mentally, verbally, or physically, nor shall I encourage others to indulge in such activities.
Oh! Bhagawn, I hate myself for my sins. I repent and apologize for the sinful activities I
may have committed. I condemn and censure myself for such sinful activities. By the
virtue of Smyika, I relinquish my soul, which is full of sins.
This is a very important Sutra. Every word of this Sutra is significant and should be
correctly understood. Equanimity is the essence of Jainism. Since Smyika is performed
to develop and attain equanimity, and since this Sutra is recited to take the vow of
Smyika, it is regarded as the essence of all gams.
Now, please bow down again while reciting Khamsaman Sutra.
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi
Now we ask for permission to sit down by saying:
Ichchkren Sandisah Bhagawn! Besane sandishu?
Meaning:
Oh! Guru Mahrj, may I have your permission to sit down?
If Guru Mahrj were present, he would say:
Sandisheh.
Meaning:
You have my permission (to sit down)
Now we say:
Ichchham.

77

Meaning:
I accept your permission.
Now, please sit-down.
Again bow down while reciting Khamsaman Sutra.
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi
Now say:
Ichchhkren Sandisah Bhagawn! Besane thu?
Meaning:
Oh! Forgiving Gurudev, may I have your permission to be steady in Smyika while
sitting down?
If Guru Mahrj were present, he would say:
Theh.
Meaning:
Yes, you may do so.
Now we say:
Ichchham
Meaning:
I accept your permission.
Once again bow down while reciting Khamsaman Sutra.
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi
Now say:
Ichchhkren Sandisah Bhagawn! Sajzai sandishu?
Meaning:
Oh! Forgiving Gurudev, may I ask your kind permission to begin the Swdhyya?

78

If Guru Mahrj were present, he would say:


Sandisheh.
Meaning:
Please do so.
Now we say:
Ichchham
Meaning:
I accept your permission.
Once again bow down while reciting Khamsaman Sutra.
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi
Now say:
Ichchhkren Sandisah Bhagawn! Sajzai Karu?
Meaning:
Oh! Forgiving Gurudev, may I ask your kind permission to concentrate in Swdhyy?
If Guru Mahrj were present, he would say:
Kareh.
Meaning:
Please do so.
Now we say:
Ichchham
Meaning:
I accept your permission.
Now recite Navakr mantra three times with folded hands.
If you want to do only Smyika, engage yourself in religious activities such as,
Swdhyy, contemplation, or meditation of Navakr Mah mantra for 48 minute.
Then continue with the procedure for conclusion of Smyika on page number 106.
However, if you are doing Pratikraman please continue as follows.

79

Pachchakkhn
Following Pachchakkhn is mandatory for those people who have done any austerities
today.

pahra divasa-charimam pachchakkhmi


annatha-bhogeam, sahas-gaream,
mahattar-gream savva-samhivattiygream vosirmi
For those people who have not done any austerity today and wish to abstain from all
kinds of food for the evening following Pratikraman (highly recommended), the
appropriate Pachchakkhn is:

divasa-charimam pachchakkhmi chauvvihampi


hram asam pam khimam simam annathabhogeam, sahas-gaream, mahattar-gream savvasamhivattiy-gream vosirmi
For those people who have not done any kind of austerity today, have to take at least
the vow to abstain from all kinds of food except water for the evening following
Pratikraman. The appropriate Pachchakkhn for this vow is:

divasa- charimam pachchakkhmi tivihampi hram


asam khimam simam annatha-bhogeam,
sahas-gaream, mahattar-gream savvasamhivattiy-gream vosirmi
I vow to abstain from consuming four kinds of foods namely, solid foods, snacks and
fruits, and Mukhavs;1 from now until 48 minutes after sunrise tomorrow (OR, three
kinds of foods, namely; solid foods, snacks and fruits and, Mukhavs.) This vow shall
remain unbroken if any food was forced into my mouth, if I put any food in mouth
unintentionally, or if I have to break this vow as per the instruction of my religious
teacher to prevent my equanimity from being disturbed.
One must take the vow to abstain from consuming all four kinds of food (Chauvihr) if
he has done any austerity that day (e.g. Eksanu, Biysanu, Upavs, etc.). Those who
have not done any austerity that day may take the vow to abstain from all four kinds of
foods or the vow to abstain from all kinds of food except for water (Tivihr).
1

Mukhavs is consumed in many parts of India after lunch and dinner in small bite size quantity as a
refreshing mouth freshener.

80

81

If you only want to do Chaitya Vandan, start here.


Dev Vandan-Chaitya Vandan: The Second vashyak
First, we seek permission to do Dev Vandan by bowing down while reciting the
following:
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi.
.1.

Oh! Bhagawn! I wish to offer my obeisance to you. I am giving up all sinful activities to
the best of my abilities, and I am bowing my head down to you.
Bhagawn, with your permission, may I perform Chaitya Vandan (Dev Vandan)?
Since Bhagawns permission is assumed, we say:
I accept your permission.
Then we recite the following prayer.
Sakal Kushal Valli, Pushkravart Megho;
Durita timir Bhnu, Kalpa vriksho pamnah,
Bhavajala nidhi potah, Sarva Sampatti Hetu;
Sa Bhavatu Satatam Vah,
Shreyase Shntinthah, Shreyase Prshwanthah.
Meaning:
Oh! Bhagawn Shnti-nth! Oh! Bhagawn Prshva-nth! May you be there for our well
being forever. You are the abode of all happiness. You are like rain in Pushkarvarta. You
are like the sun dispelling the darkness of evils. You are like a tree, which can yield
anything desired. You are like a ship for crossing the sea of endless cycles of birth and
death. You are the source of all prosperity.
Now we recite any of the Dev Vandan Stotras such as follows.
Parmeshwar Paramtm Jagpvak Paramishta,
Jay Jay Guru Devdhidev Mere Nayanmen Sthit (1)
Achal Akal Avikr Sr Karunras Sindhu,
Jagati Jan dhr Ek Nishkran Bandhu (2)
Gun Anant Prabhu Thr Keme Kahy Na Jy,
Paramprabhu Jin Dhynathi Chidnand Sukh Thy (3)

82

Meaning:
Oh! Supreme Bhagawn! Oh! Supreme soul! You are the purifier of the world. You are
supremely desirable. You are worshipped even by the heavenly gods. You are the greatest
of the great. You are always there in my thoughts and my sight.
You are liberated and, thus, always without a body. You are free of passions. You are the
real essence of the sea of compassion. You are the only refuge for and selfless companion
to all worldly beings.
Bhagawn, one can never completely describe your innumerable attributes.
However, by contemplating the supreme omniscient Bhagawn, everlasting bliss can
prevail.
Now recite following Sutras.

jam kichi stra


jam kichi nma-tittham, sagg pyli mus l.
jim jia-bimbim, tim savvim vandmi............................1.
Meaning:
I bow down to all the places of pilgrimage and all the idols of Tirthankar Bhagawn
present anywhere in the heavens, lower realm of the universe, and middle section of the
universe, which is commonly known as Manushya Loka.

namutthu am stra
namutthu am, arihantam, bhagavantam.....................1.
i-garam, tittha-yaram, saya-sambuddham.............2.
purisuttamam, purisa-sham, purisa-vara-puaram,
purisa-vara-gandha-hattham........................................3.
lguttamam, lga-nham, lga-hiam, lga-pavam, lgapajja-garam................................................................4.
abhaya-dayam, chakkhu-dayam, magga-dayam,
saraa-dayam, bhi-dayam..........................................5.
dhamma-dayam, dhamma-dsayam, dhamma-nyagam,
dhamma-sraham, dhamma-vara-churanta-chakkavaam.
..................................................................................... .6.
appaihaya-vara-na-dansaa-dharam,
viyaa-chhaumam.......................................................7.
jiam, jvayam, tinnam, trayam, buddham, bhayam,
muttam, magam.......................................................8.

83

savvannam, savva-darisam, siva-mayala-marua-maantamakkhaya-mavvbha-mapuarvitti siddhigai-nmadhyam


ham sampattam, nam jiam, jia-bhayam..............9.
j a ay siddh, j a bhavissanti-ga kl.
sampai a vaam, savv ti-viha vandmi.................10.
Meaning:
I bow down to Arihanta Bhagawn.
Oh! Arihanta Bhagawn:
Your sermons are the source of true spiritual knowledge.
You establish the four-fold Jain Sangha; thus, you are called Tirthankar.
You attain Keval-jnn on your own without the physical presence of a spiritual Guru.
You exemplify the best human being.
You are the most fearless human being.
You are the best among human beings, like a Pundarik Lotus11.
You are like the fragrance-emanating Gandha Hasti12
You are the most respected in the entire universe.
You are the supreme entity of the universe.
You are the benefactor of the universe.
You are like a lamp of knowledge to the universe.
You illuminate and enlighten the universe (spiritually).
You bestow fearlessness.
You bestow true understanding of the nature of the soul.
You bestow the right path leading to liberation.
You bestow the ultimate refuge to all living beings.
You bestow right faith.
You bestow true religion.
You are the preacher of true religion.
You are the supreme king of religion.
You guide the way to true religion.
You have ended the cycles of birth and death in all four realms (human, animal,
subhuman, and heaven), and you help others do the same. Thus, you are the beholder
of the Dharma Chakra and are like the supreme king (known as Chakravarti).
You are the beholder of everlasting perfect knowledge (Keval-jnn) and perfect
perception.
You are free of imperfectness.
You have achieved the status of a Jin (those who have completely conquered the four
passions (anger, ego, deceit, and greed), and you help others achieve the same.
You have attained perfect perception, and you help others attain the same.
11

Pundarik is a variety of lotus, which is white in color and considered to be the best kind of lotus.
Hasti means elephant. Gandha Hasti is considered to be the best elephant.
See explanation section of Sutra No. 14 for more detailed explanation.
12

84

You have attained Moksha, and you help others attain Moksha as well.
I bow down to Tirthankar Bhagawns, those who know and perceive anything and
everything. Oh! Tirthankar Bhagawn, you have attained Moksha, which is the abode of
bliss, where there are no movements, which is free of bodily pains and ailments, which is
endless and everlasting, which is free of sufferings, and from where nobody ever has to
return (to four realms of life).
Oh! Tirthankar Bhagawn, I bow down to you with my thoughts, speech, and body I bow
down to all who have attained Moksha, will attain Moksha in their current lives, or will
attain Moksha anytime in the future.

jvanti chiim stra


jvanti chiim, uh a ah a tiria-l a.
savvim tim vand, iha sant tattha santim.1.
Meaning:
I bow down to all the currently existing idols of Jineshvar Bhagawn present anywhere in
the upper part of the universe, middle part of the universe, or lower part of the universe.

jvanta k vi sh stra
jvanta k vi sh, bharahravaya-mah-vidh a.
savvsim tsim paa, ti-viha ti-daa-virayam..........1.
Meaning:
Sdhu Mahrj and Sdhviji Mahrj do not commit any sinful activities in their
thoughts, speech, or bodily actions. They do not cause others to commit sinful activities
or praise others who do commit sins. I bow down in my thoughts, by my speech and by
my body to all Sdhu Mahrj and Sdhviji Mahrj present anywhere in Bharat Kshetra,
Airvat Kshetra, and Mah Videha Kshetra.
Now we recite Namorhat Sutra, which is a Sanskrit version of Navakr Mantra.

namrhat stra
namrhat-siddh-chrypdhyya-sarva-sdhubhya.1.
Meaning:
I bow down to Arihanta Bhagawn, Siddha Bhagawn, chrya Mahrj, Updhyy
Mahrj, and all Sdhu and Sdhvi Mahrj.
Now is the time for a Stavan, a devotional song in praise of Tirthankar Bhagawn. .
Uvasaggaharam Stotra is a Stavan, which is a very significant Mantra in Jainism. Its
importance as a Mantra is second only to Navakr Mantra. This Stotra is an obeisance
to Bhagawn Prshva-nth.

85

uvasagga-haram stra
uvasagga-haram

psam,

psam

vandmi

kamma-ghaa-

mukkam.
visahara-visa-ninnsam, magala-kalla-vsam................1.
visahara-phuliga-mantam, kah dhri j say mau.
tassa gaha-rga-mr, duha-jar janti uvasmam............2.
chihau dr mant, tujjha pam vi bahu-phal hi.
nara-tirisu vi jv, pvanti na dukkha-dgachcham..........3.
tuha sammatt laddh, chintmai-kappa-pyava-bbhahi.
pvanti aviggham, jv ayarmaram ham..................4.
iya santhu mahyasa! bhatti-bbhara-nibbhara hiaa.
t dva! dijja bhim, bhav bhav psa! jia-chanda!........5.
Meaning:
Oh! Shree Prshva-nth Bhagawn, I bow down to you. Even your caretaker Yaksha
Prshva can nullify the unfavorable situations caused by other people and/or other
elements. You have eradicated all karmas and are free of all karmas. You can nullify the
poison of the most poisonous snake. You are the abode of bliss and unending happiness.
By faithfully reciting Visahara Fullinga Mantra, people can cure their misfortunes,
chronic illness, plague, and other fatal diseases and febrile illnesses
In addition to reciting this Mantra, even offering our sincere obeisance to you is a cause
of a good fortune. Those who offer sincere obeisance to you with deep faith will enjoy a
life free from suffering and bad luck in all future human or animal lives.
Attaining right knowledge and right faith, as you preach, is more precious than
Chintmani13 and Kalpa Vruksha.14 When one attains right knowledge and right faith,
one attains Moksha without difficulty, wherein there is no old age or death.
Oh! Universally revered Prshva-nth Bhagawn, I eulogize you with a heart full of
devotion. Oh! Jineshvar Prshva-nth Bhagawn, I wish for right knowledge, right faith,
and right conduct in all my future lives.
Now we will recite the Jay Viyarya Sutra. In the first half of this Sutra, we wish for
several qualities, which are listed in the explanation of this Sutra. We recite this section
of the Sutra with folded hands touching the spot on the forehead between two eyebrows.
This spot is called jn Chakra, which means decision-making circle.

jaya vyarya-stra
13

Chintmani is one kind of jewel described in mythological literature, which is capable of giving anything
that is wished for.
14
Kalpa Vruksha is one kind of tree described in mythological literature, which is capable of yielding
anything that is wished for.

86

jaya

vyarya!

jaga-guru!,

hu

mamam

tuha

ppabhva

bhayava!.
bhava-nivv maggusri ihaphala-siddh..................1.
lga-viruddha-chch guru-jaa-p parattha-karaam cha.
suha-guru-jg tavvayaa-sva -bhavamakha............2.
vrijjai jai vi niya-bandhaam vyarya! tuha samay.
taha vi mama hujja sv, bhav bhav tumha chalaam..3.
dukkha-kkha kamma-kkha, samhi-maraam cha bhi-lbh a.
sampajjau maha am, tuha nha! pama-karaam........4.
sarva-magala-mgalyam, sarva-kalya-kraam.
pradhnam sarva-dharmm, jainam jayati sanam..........5.
Meaning:
Oh! Vitarga Paramtm! Oh! Spiritual preceptor of the universe, through your teachings,
incessantly throughout this life and in all future lives, I wish to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Detach myself from worldly life.


Lead my life on the path of right conduct, as you preached.
Attain salvation.
Lead a life of high morals and ethics.
Be respectful to and take good care of Guru Mahrj and elderly people.
Be helpful to and of service to others.
Be in close touch with the right spiritual Guru.
Follow the instructions and orders of the Guru.

Oh! Vitarga Paramtm, I am aware that your teachings advise against asking anything
from you. In spite of this, I wish to be of service to you at your feet for this life and all
my future lives. Oh! Bhagawn, I bow down to you and further long for:
9. Freedom from the cycles of birth and death, which cause ultimate unhappiness.
10. Eradication of my karmas.
11. A peaceful death in perfect equanimity.
12. Right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct.
Jain Darshan and the Jain way of life are the most auspicious. They are the source of
ultimate bliss (Moksha). They are the best and the greatest among all religious
philosophies.
We complete this Chaitya Vandan by doing a Kusagga. For that purpose, we now recite
the following Sutra.

arihanta-chiyam-stra
arihanta-chiyam, karmi kussaggam.........................1.
87

vandaa-vatti, paa-vatti, sakkra-vatti,


samma-vatti, bhi-lbha-vatti,
niruvasagga-vatti........................................................2.
saddh, mh, dhi, dhra, aupph
vaham, hmi kussaggam......................................3.

88

Meaning:
Oh! Arihanta Bhagawn, I wish to perform Kyotsarga to offer my obeisance to you;
worship you; express my reverence to you; respect you; attain right knowledge, right
faith, and right conduct; and attain salvation.
I am doing this Kyotsarga with an ever-increasing level of faith, intellect, peaceful mind,
determination, and contemplation.
Now we recite the following Sutra.

annattha sutra
annattha-sasiam, nsasiam, khsiam, chham,
jambhiam, uuam, vya-nisaggam, bhamal,
pitta-muchchh. ...........................................................1.
suhumhim aga-saclhim, suhumhim khla-saclhim,
suhumhim dihi-saclhim. ......................................2.
vamihim grhim, a-bhagg a-virhi,
hujja m kussagg.........................................................3.
jva arihantam bhagavantam,
namukkram na prmi...............................................4.
tva kyam ham mam jham,
appam vsirmi
.5.
Meaning:
I shall now engross myself in complete Kyotsarga (meditation), except for breathing in
and out, coughing, sneezing, yawning, belching, letting bodily gas out, episode of
dizziness or fainting, and subtle movements of body, phlegm and eyes.
I shall terminate my Kyotsarga by offering obeisance to Arihanta Bhagawn (by saying
Namo Arihantnam aloud). Until then I shall not speak or move and renounce all other
bodily and mental activities.
Now, recite Navakr Mantra once in your mind and terminate Kusagga by saying
Namo Arihantnam aloud. Then recite the following prayer:
kalla-kandam pahamam jiindam,
santim ta nmi-jiam muindam.
psam paysam suguikka-ham,
bhatti vand siri-vaddhamam.....................................1.
Meaning:

89

With true devotion, I bow down to the first Tirthankar, Shree Rushabha-dev Bhagawn,
who is the source of prosperity; to Shree Shnti-nth Bhagawn; to Shree Nemi-nth
Bhagawn, who is like a supreme monk; to Shree Prshva-nth Bhagawn, who
enlightens the universe and is the abode of supreme virtues; and Bhagawn Shree
Mahvir-swmi.

This is the conclusion of Chaitya Vandan


If you are doing Pratikraman, please continue with the following
procedure:
Now do Khamsaman four times, as follows:
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi
Now say Bhagawnaham!
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi
and say chryaham!
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi
and say Updhyyaham!
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi
and say Sdhuham!

Those who are ignorant of the supreme purpose of life will


never be able to attain nirvana (liberation) in spite of their
observance of the vratas (vows) and Niyama (rules) of religious conduct
and practice of Shila (celibacy) and Tapas (penance).
..Mahvir (Samaysr, 153)

90

Guru Vandan: The Third vashyak


The third essential is known as Guru Vandan, or bowing down to Sdhu Mahrj and
Sdhvi Mahrj. Unfortunately, we do not have Arihanta Bhagawn with us to guide us
and lead us to the path of liberation. However, in the absence of Arihanta Bhagawn,
Sdhu Mahrj and Sdhvi Mahrj guide us to the path of liberation as preached by
Arihanta Bhagawn. Therefore, we offer obeisance to them to show our reverence. Before
we begin Guru Vandan, we should inspect Muhapatti. We seek permission by asking:
Bhagawn, may I inspect Muhapatti?
Assuming the permission, we turn it over three times using the procedure explained
earlier. Now, we recite the Guru vandan Sutra given below.
abbhuhiomi sutra
ichchh-kra sandisaha bhagavan! abbhuhimi,
abbhintara-dvasiam khmu? ichchham, khmmi
dvasiam.
Now place your right palm on the Charavalo to symbolize touching Guru's feet and
continue reciting the sutra as follows:
jam kichi apattiam, para-pattiam; bhatt, p;
via, vyvachch; lv, sanlv; uchchsa, samsa;
antara-bhs, uvari-bhs;
jam kici majjha viaya-pariham, suhumam v, byaram v;
tubbh jaha, aham na jmi;
tassa michchh mi dukkaam.
Meaning:
Oh! Guru Mahrj, please voluntarily give me permission to ask for your forgiveness for
any wrongdoings that I may have done to you during the day. (Guru Mahrj now will
say, Please do so)
I accept your permission. I beg your pardon for all the wrongdoings that I may have
committed during the day. I may have caused unhappiness or bitterness to you in regards
to food or water. I may have disrespected you or may not have taken proper care of you. I
may have disrespected you by sitting at a higher level or at the same level as you. I may
have interrupted you while you were talking, talked back to you, or tried to prove you
wrong. I may have exhibited major or even minor discourteousness to you, of which I am
not aware but you may be. Now Therefore, I beg for your forgiveness for all such
wrongdoings and wish that they might be undone.
Now, recite following sutra for further reverence to Guru Mahrj
Oh! Forgiving Gurudev, while giving up all sinful activities to the best of my ability, I
want to bow down to you. So, please allow me to come close to you and touch your feet
with respect.

91

Please forgive me if my touching your feet causes any discomfort to you. Has your day
been mostly comfortable and without much distress? Is your journey through ascetic life
going smoothly without obstacles?
Oh! Forgiving Gurudev, I repent and beg your pardon if I have committed mistakes while
performing the essential rites during the day. I ask for your forgiveness if during the day I
have lapsed in your reverence in any of the 33 ways. I may have committed these lapses
by delusion, evil thinking, evil speech, evil deeds, anger, ego, deceit, and greed. Oh!
Forgiving Gurudev, I censure and condemn myself for these mistakes and repent for the
lapses in performance of religious practice that I might have committed by incorrectly
practicing religious rites or practicing religion against the teachings of Jina.

Pratikraman: The Fourth vashyak


Now we begin the fourth essential, known as Pratikraman. For this purpose, we
enumerate the 8.4 million species of living beings and repent for hurting any of them.
There are 700,000 earth-bodied species, 700,000 water-bodied species, 700,000 lustrous
species, 700,000 air-bodied species, 1,000,000 plant species that have one soul in one
body (Pratyek Vanaspatiky), 1,400,000 plant species that have an infinite number of
souls in a single body (Sdhran vanaspatiky), 200,000 species of two-sensed living
being, 200,000 species of three-sensed living being, 200,000 species of four-sensed living
being, 400,000 kinds of heavenly beings, 400,000 kinds of infernal beings, 400,000
species of animals, and 1,400,000 species of human beings. If I have hurt or killed any of
these 8.4 million species, asked others to hurt them, encouraged others to hurt them, or
praised those who hurt them, either mentally, verbally, or physically, I repent and ask for
forgiveness.
Tassa Michchhmi Dukkadam.
Now we will enumerate the 18 ways of committing sin and repenting for committing
them.
1) Violence
2) Lying
3) Stealing
4) Sensuous indulgence
5) Accumulation (of wealth and other worldly things, beyond necessity)
6) Anger
7) Arrogance
8) Deceit
9) Greed
10) Attachment
11) Resentment,
12) Disputes
13) Allegation
14) Slander and backbiting
15) Liking and disliking
16) Gossiping
92

17) Deceitful lying and,


18) Wrong faith.
If I have committed any of these 18 sins, asked others to commit them, encouraged others
to commit such sins, or praised those who commit them, mentally, verbally, or physically,
I repent ask for forgiveness.
Now we recite Pratikraman Sutra, which is also known as Vandittu Sutra. This sutra
explains the ways in which one may violate the 12 vows of a householder, spiritual codes,
and restraints pertaining to thoughts, speech, and body. In this sutra, we enumerate and
repent for such lapses and ask for forgiveness.
Oh! Forgiving Gurudev, I wish to atone the wrongdoings that I might have committed
during the day, such as speaking contrary to scriptures or acting contrary to the scriptures.
I repent for improper conduct, inappropriate activities, inauspicious meditation,
inauspicious contemplation, breaking vows, desiring undesirable tangible and nontangible things, improper behavior, acting against right knowledge, acting against right
faith, acting against Jain principles, improper performance of rites and rituals including
Smyika, indulgence in four passions (anger, ego, deceit, and greed), and violating the
12 minor vows of Shrvak.
If I have thought of committing such sins, prepared for committing such sins, attempted
to commit such sins, or actually committed such sins, then, with the Arihantas, the
Siddhas, the chryas, the four-fold Jain Sangha, the Jain principles, and my soul as
witnesses, I wish to repent such actions and ask for forgiveness. Tassa Michchh Mi
Dukkadam.

Reflecting on Transgression of Codes of Conduct


Jnnchr (Codes of Conduct Pertaining to Right Knowledge)
I repent for whatever violations I might have committed regarding knowledge, faith,
conduct, and worship.
I might have contradicted, not duly respected and/or not learned the right knowledge. I
might have been ungrateful to the Gurus. I might have wrongly disputed with a learned
person. All these acts are the causes of knowledge obscuring karma.
In the presence of Arihantas and Siddhas, I repent and pray for forgiveness if I have
committed any indulgence, fault, or violation; while studying, learning, and
contemplating in any of the following ways:

Reciting text incorrectly, carelessly, or inaccurately,


Reciting and handling text disrespectfully, leaving books scattered anywhere and
everywhere, or leaving them on the floor instead of on the stand or bookshelf.
Misinterpreting, laughing at, or ignoring the words of the scripture, due to
obstinacy, wrong insistence, impudence, as well as evil intention, caused by
perversity.
Giving knowledge to an unworthy person, or
93

Reciting scriptures at improper time, and at improper place.

If I have committed any of the above faults or lapses by mental, verbal, or physical
activities directly or indirectly, either knowingly or unknowingly, I pray that my faults be
dissolved.
Everyone recite together
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
Darshanchr (Codes of Conduct Pertaining to Right Faith)
I desire to know the true and perfect meaning of the Holy Scriptures; to develop faith
towards true God, Guru, and Religion. I desire to serve, and to associate with Gurus, who
have studied the Holy Scriptures in depth. I desire to abandon the hypocrites who
consider sinful acts as religious. I also want to disassociate from those, who have deserted
religion in spite of attaining right faith. I wish to become a follower of the saints and keep
faith in the followers of true religion as established by Arihantas. I reflect on and confess
the wrong doings (Atichr) related to observing the right faith.
In the presence of Arihantas and Siddhas, I pray for forgiveness if I have committed
lapses or violations in observation of Darshanchr in any of the following ways:
I might have asked for a worldly favor from a guru or Tirthankar. I might have considered
a good monk to be the evil and vice versa; a duty as a non-duty and a non-duty as a duty;
and a wrong path to liberation to be the right path and the right one to be the wrong one. I
might have contradicted, looked down upon or offended a virtuous person.
Following are five major violations pertaining to right faith:

To doubt the words of the Jina,


To follow wrong faith,
To doubt the fruits of one's religious actions,
To accept (or be impressed by) and praise the wrong religious philosophy
To maintain relationship with people who promote wrong philosophy

If I have committed any of the above faults or lapses by mental, verbal, or physical,
activities, directly or indirectly, either knowingly or unknowingly, then I pray that my
faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
Chritrchr (Codes of Conduct Pertaining to Right Conduct)
In the presence of Arihantas and Siddhas I repent and pray for forgiveness for the
violations I might have committed during the day in observation of eight-fold codes of
conduct pertaining to right conduct as preached by Arihanta Bhagawn. Following are the
lapses and violations of Chritrchr:
1. Violations and Lapses Related to Movements:

94

Trampling, crushing, killing or otherwise hurting other living beings


while moving around, sitting or standing up.
Disrupting ant-burrows, destroying bird nests or walking on lawn,
grass, and vegetation.
Pushing and shoving to get ahead of the line and thereby hurting
others.

2. Violations and Lapses Related to Speaking:


Killing minute living beings by spit while talking.
Hurting the feelings of others by careless speech.
Lying, lying with malice, gossiping, and spreading rumors.
Wrongfully criticizing others, or becoming angry with others.
3. Violations and Lapses Related to Obtaining Food and Water:
Obtaining food and water carelessly.
Killing small insects while cutting vegetables.
Ingesting small insects due to failure to inspect food before
consumption.
Disposing hot water before allowing it to cool down and thus killing
small living beings by scalding
Consuming food produced by significant violence to living beings.
Wasting food and water or consuming more than necessity.
Disposing of food carelessly in a way that it becomes a breeding place
for insects.
4. Violations and Lapses Related to Taking and Placing Articles:
Reckless pulling, pushing, lifting or laying of articles and thus, hurting
other living beings.
Putting heavy articles without inspecting the floor and thereby
crushing small living beings.
Putting down hot articles carelessly and thereby burning and scalding
small living beings.
5. Violations and Lapses Related to Disposal of Bodily Waste:
Carelessly disposing of bodily waste, which might hurt or kill small
living beings.
Not keeping toilets clean which can become breeding places of small
insects that might be killed or hurt.
6. Violations and Lapses Related to Control of Mental Faculty:
Getting mad at others
Wishing evil for others
Wishing for objectionable and un-desirable things.
Not remaining in equanimity and not doing Smyika in spite of time
and capability.
Not doing meditation and study of religious scriptures.
95

Mentally indulging in sensual objects and pleasures.

96

7. Violations and Lapses Related to Control of Speech:


Speaking excessively or when it is not needed.
Speaking sinfully.
8. Violations and Lapses Related to Control of Body:
Indulging in adoration of body.
Using perfumes and wearing flashy clothes.
Not taking due and proper care of health by being lazy.
Carelessly removing small bugs from the body.
If I have committed any of the above eight categories of sins either knowingly or unknowingly, I pray that my faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
Tapchr (Codes of Austerities)
In the presence of Arihantas and Siddhas, I repent and pray for forgiveness for the
violations I might have committed during the day in observation of codes of conduct
pertaining to austerities as preached by Arihanta Bhagawn.
Following are the lapses and violations of Tapchr:

Any wrong doings related to penance of a long or short duration.


Not performing external penances in spite of ability. There are six recommended
ways to do external penance namely, fasting, consuming less food than needed,
consuming fewer food items, giving up tasty food, voluntarily enduring physical
hardships, and occupying bare minimum space for sustenance.
Not performing internal penances in spite of ability. There are six recommended
ways to do internal penance, namely, repenting for sins, being polite, being of
service to ascetics, study of scriptures, meditation, and giving up of bodily
activities.
Doing austerities for worldly happiness, or with the hope of becoming famous
Performing austerities out of jealousy.
Feeling proud for doing austerities or resorting to self-praise after doing
austerities.

If I have indulged in any of the above faults or lapses by mental, verbal, or physical
activities, directly or indirectly, I pray that my faults be dissolved. Tassa Michchh Mi
Dukkadam.
Virychr (Codes of Exercising Energy or Vigor)
In the presence of Arihantas and Siddhas, I repent and pray for forgiveness for whatever
violations I might have committed during the day in observation of codes of conduct
pertaining to exercise of mental, verbal and physical strength as preached by Arihanta
Bhagawn.

97

Following are the lapses and violations of Virychr:

Not following to the fullest possible four codes of conduct regarding knowledge,
faith, conduct, and austerities in accordance with the mental, verbal and physical
strength.
Not performing religious activities as preached by Tirthankar Bhagawn

If I have committed any of the above faults or lapses by mental, verbal, or physical
activities, directly or indirectly, I pray that my faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.

Five Anu Vratas (Five Minor Vows)


1. Ahims (Non-Violence)
First Minor Vow: Sthul-Prntipt Viraman Vrata
Abstaining from intentionally hurting mobile living beings, through the activities of
mind, speech, or body, either directly or through somebody.
Shrvaks cannot completely commit to non-violence but can at least minimize violence
by being careful and thoughtful.
Following are the major lapses and violations of the vow of non-violence:

Not considering Ahims as the key element in the whole scheme of the ethical
discipline of the Shrvak and the monk.
Being violent towards others and toward own-self because of passions or
carelessness

Encouraging or appreciating violence caused by others

Unnecessarily wasting earth, water, fire, air, and vegetations

Not giving protection or expressing compassion towards mobile living beings

Consuming or using harmful and illicit substances. (e.g. drugs, liquor, or food
obtained thru gross violence)

Exposing mind to violence by watching violent movies, reading books depicting


violence, or associating with violent people

Imposing own thoughts on others or manipulating others for self benefit

Needlessly confining animals and birds

Using animal drawn carriages or needless riding on animals

Making animals carry heavy loads

Depriving animals and birds of shelter

Using dairy products obtained from animals that have not been properly cared for.

98

If I have committed any of the above faults or lapses mentally, verbally or physically;
either myself; have asked others to commit them; or have praised those who commit
them, I repent and ask for forgiveness. I pray that my faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
2. Satya (Truthfulness)
Second partial Vow (Anuvrata): Sthul-Mrushvda Viraman Vrata
Abstinence from unnecessary lies and lying for the benefit of self, family, and friends.
Following are the major lapses and violations of the vow of truth:

Untruthfulness toward others and toward own-self.

Encouraging or appreciating non-truthfulness

Exaggerating, distorting or falsifying the facts for personal gain or to harm


others

Spreading rumors, disclosing someones secrets, and breaching someones


trust

Using flattery or behaving pretentiously to get what is desired

Speaking out truth which causes pain, hostility or violence to others

Using obscene or mean language.

If I have committed any of the above faults or lapses, either mentally, verbally or
physically; either myself; have asked others to commit them; or have praised those who
commit them, I repent and ask for forgiveness. I pray that my faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
3. Asteya (Non-stealing)
Third Vow (Anuvrata): Sthul-Adattdna Viraman Vrata
Abstinence from stealing and cheating. Stealing means to take something, which is not
duly given, what is not earned legitimately, or what is not inherited. Following are the
major lapses and violations of the vow of non-stealing:

Stealing or taking what is not duly offered.

Encouraging or appreciating others for stealing or buying stolen goods

Accepting or offering bribe, committing fraud, smuggling goods, selling illegal


goods, violating Government rules relating to taxes, imports, exports etc.

Cheating on quantity or quality of goods that are sold


Causing anguish, pain, or even death to someone by depriving someone of his/her
own property.
If I have committed any of the above faults or lapses mentally, verbally or physically;
either myself; have asked others to commit them; or have praised those who commit
them, I repent and ask for forgiveness. I pray that my faults be dissolved.
99

Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.


4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
Fourth partial Vow (Anuvrata): Svadr Santosh Vrata
To be monogamous with your lawfully married spouse.
Following are the major lapses and violations of the vow of celibacy:

Being unfaithful to own spouse


Indulging in illicit sensual activities

Encouraging, appreciating, or manipulating lustful behavior in others

Engaging in premarital and extramarital relation

Intensifying passions by consuming intoxicating substances (like alcohol,


marijuana, opium, illicit drugs etc.), watching provocative movies or shows;
reading provocative magazines or books; or listening to provocative songs or talk.

If I have committed any of the above faults or lapses either mentally, verbally or
physically; either myself; have asked others to commit them; or have praised those who
commit them, I repent and ask for forgiveness. I pray that my faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
5. Aparigraha: Non-Possession/Non-Attachment)
Fifth partial Vow (Anuvrata): Ichchh Parimna or Parigraha-Parimna Vrata
Limiting wants, needs, and possessions.
For Shrvak and Shrvik absolute renunciation of Parigraha is not possible; he/she
should lay limitations to the acquisition and possession.
Following are the major lapses and violations of the vow of non-possessiveness:

Being greedy or possessive and accumulating things beyond preset limit

Encouraging or appreciating acquisition and possessiveness in others

Accumulation of real estate, garments, jewelry, house ware, furniture or any


other personal items beyond predetermined limit

Making more than customary profit in business

Possessive attachments to people or worldly objects

If I have committed any of the above faults or lapses mentally, verbally or physically;
either myself; have asked others to commit them; or have praised those who commit
them, I repent and ask for forgiveness. I pray that my faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.

100

Three Guna Vrata (Auxiliary Vows)


Next three vows are auxiliary vows, which strengthen the quality of the first five partial
vows.
6. Dig Parimna Vrata (Restraints of Geographical Limitations)
A vow not to travel beyond predetermined limits. By fixing the limits in all the ten
directions (eight horizontal directions, up, and down), one's greed, which is at the root of
Parigraha, is curtailed.
Following are the major lapses and violations of the vow of geographic limitation:

Traveling or communicating for social, personal or business purpose outside


the predetermined activity area

Cutting down the limit in one direction to extend in other direction

Proceeding beyond the limit in spite of having known of the same

If I have committed any of the above faults or lapses either mentally, verbally or
physically; either myself; have asked others to commit them; or have praised those who
commit them, I repent and ask for forgiveness. I pray that my faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
7. Bhogopabhoga-Parimn vrata (Limitation on consumption and, refraining from
forbidden occupations)
In this vow, a householder puts limitations on the articles of Bhoga, (consumption of
items that can be used only once, like food etc.) and Upbhoga (use of articles that can be
used repeatedly) in order to develop self-restraint and will-power.
Following are the major lapses and violations of the vow of limitation on consumption
and forbidden occupations:

Exceeding the preset limit of quantity and number for the use of consumable
things like beverages, ghee, oil, milk, yogurt, vegetables, fruits etc.

Exceeding the preset numeric limit in the use of non-consumable goods like
cosmetics, ornaments, flowers, number of vehicles, footwear, etc.

Consumption of animate things or using inanimate things that have been in


contact with animate things

Consuming food that is cooked in cruel way

Consuming food in which there is less to eat and more to discard

Involving in occupations dealing with furnaces, occupations involving


destruction of plant or animal life, polluting environment and natural
resources, trading or renting animals and birds, animal testing, leather, fur,
ivory, silk, meat, honey, liquor, pesticides, toxic substances and prostitution

Breaching the vows of not eating root vegetables, and not eating at night.

101

If I have committed any of the above faults or lapses mentally, verbally or physically;
either myself; have asked others to commit them; or have praised those who commit
them, I repent and ask for forgiveness. I pray that my faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
8. Anarthadanda Vrata (Restricting Purposeless Violence)
This vow is for renouncing avoidable violence and purposeless activities.
Following are the major lapses and violations of the vow of restricting purposeless
violence:

Thinking of or talking evil of others

Being inconsiderate while walking. For example walking on vegetation,


plucking flowers, or leaves unnecessarily etc.

Being careless in ordinary behavior. For example keeping water or oil


containers open, keeping the leftover foods open, keeping lamps and stoves
burning which can kill or otherwise hurt small living beings

Meditating on evil, cruel, or mournful thoughts, engaging in meaningless talk,


gossiping, engaging in useless listening, reading, and watching useless TV
shows

Being reluctant towards righteous or good deeds

Manufacturing, selling, distributing and/or keeping weapons and devices that


cause violence

If I have committed any of the above faults or lapses mentally, verbally or physically;
either myself; have asked others to commit them; or have praised those who commit
them, I repent and ask for forgiveness. I pray that my faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.

Four Shiksh Vrata (Four Disciplinary Vows)


Next four vows are Shiksh Vratas that pertain to the specific spiritual activities, which
should be practiced as often as possible. These vows strengthen the practice of
spirituality.
9. Smyika Vrata (Equanimity)
The importance of the Smyika is explained in the beginning of this section.
Following are the major lapses and violations of the vow of Smyika:

Violation of the Smyika vow by not staying in meditation for 48 minutes, by


not doing Smyika with enthusiasm and according to the recommended ritual

Violation of the vow of Smyika by not being vigilant and by not


dissociating self from worldly affairs

Not maintaining spiritual harmony of body, mind and speech during Smyika
102

If I have committed any of the above faults or lapses mentally, verbally or physically;
either myself; have asked others to commit them; or have praised those who commit
them, I repent and ask for forgiveness. I pray that my faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
10. Desvaksika (Stricter Geographical Limitations)
This Vrata is similar to Digvrata but has stricter limits. By taking this vow we elect to
stay within a limited area (in a room or in house or closely defined area) for a day or
more, detached from worldly affairs, and spending our time spiritually during that period.

Violating preset restriction in regards to material, directions, time, desire and


activities

If I have committed any of the above faults or lapses mentally, verbally or physically;
either myself; have asked others to commit them; or have praised those who commit
them, I repent and ask for forgiveness. I pray that my faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
11. Paushadha Vrata (Practicing Life of Sdhu/Sdhvi
By taking this vow, the aspirant spends one or more days, as if he/she is a Sdhu/Sdhvi
and observes equanimity during that time.
Following are the major lapses and violations of the Paushadha Vrata:

Violation of any of the five great vows of a Sdhu/Sdhvi during Paushadha

Not doing Paushadha according to the set formalities, doing Paushadha


without enthusiasm and interest or, doing Paushadha for worldly gain

Being careless and thereby causing harm to living beings while getting food,
walking, sitting or handling objects

Not restraining mental, verbal, or physical faculties

Not spending all the time spiritually and engaging in worldly affairs or, not
being free of passions

Not doing Paushadha on auspicious days

If I have committed any of the above faults or lapses mentally, verbally, or physically;
either myself; have asked others to commit them; or have praised those who commit
them, I repent and ask for forgiveness. I pray that my faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
12. Atithi Samvibhg Vrata (Vow of sharing with venerated and needy)
This vow is a vow of giving food, water, and other things necessary for existence to
Sdhus, Sdhvis, and to the needy according to ones ability and means. This should be
done with a feeling of selflessness, love, and respect.
Following are the major lapses and violations of the vow of sharing with venerated and
needy:
103

Carelessness in giving food, clothes, and medicine to Sdhu and Sdhvi

Not welcoming, giving due respect or praising Sdhu and Sdhvi while giving

Offering food that is not suitable for Sdhu or not offering when needed by
them

Offering food or other things without faith, devotion, contentment, enthusiasm


or, offering with ill will, jealousy, ego, and for worldly gain

Not offering things even though being able to do so

Not taking care of needy people and not donating to them in spite of being
able to do so

If I have committed any of the above faults or lapses mentally, verbally, or physically;
either myself; have asked others to commit them; or have praised those who commit
them, I repent and ask for forgiveness. I pray that my faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
If a person who has attained right faith (Samyak Darshan) commits a sinful activity, the
resultant karmic bondage will be a loose bondage, because he does not commit that
activity with passion and/or because of carelessness.
Just as a well-trained physician cures a disease, a person who has attained right faith,
immediately gets rid of his Karma by atonement, by repentance and, by resorting to the
auxiliary restraints.
Just as a knowledgeable mystic or a physician having such expertise removes poison
from the body, similarly a real Shrvak quickly gets rid of eight types of Karma acquired
due to craving and aversion by atonement and repentance.
Just as one becomes light by taking off the load from his head, a person, who has
committed sins, becomes relieved of the guilt of committing sins by atoning and
repenting in front of Guru.
The Shrvak, even though heavily burdened by Karma, can end his misery in no time by
resorting to doing this essential rite of Pratikraman.
There are many other lapses and violations of codes of conduct and twelve vows of
Shrvak. If I have missed any of those lapses and violations during this Pratikraman, I
repent, hate, and abhor for the same.
I am now awakened for observing the religion propounded by the omniscient Tirthankar
Bhagawn and I am free of all obstacles for doing so. While atoning for my sins
committed by mind, speech and body, I bow to the twenty-four Tirthankar Bhagawn.
While being here, I bow down to all the idols of Jineshvar Bhagawn present anywhere in
the heaven, lower realm of the universe or in the middle realm of the universe (known as
Manushya Loka)
104

Sdhu Mahrj and Sdhviji Mahrj do not commit any sinful activity either in their
thoughts, speech or physically; they do not cause others to do the same; nor they praise
others who commit sinful activity. I bow down to all such Sdhu Mahrj and Sdhviji
Mahrj, present anywhere in Bharat Kshetra, Airvat Kshetra and in Mah Videha
Kshetra.
Let my days pass in contemplation of words preached by the omniscient Bhagawn. The
preachings of Tirthankar Bhagawn destroy the sins committed from the time
immemorial and bring an end to millions of life cycles.
The Arihanta Bhagawn, Siddha Bhagawn, sages, scriptures and, the religion preached
by Jina are blissful to me. Let these enlightened entities bestow peace, and right faith
unto me.
When one does something that is forbidden or, fails to do what he needs to do or, if he
loses the right faith or, if he indulges in anything contrary to the precepts; he should do
the Pratikraman
To be recited by all together

Meaning:
I forgive all living beings, let all beings forgive me. I have friendship for every living
being; and I have no enmity for any one.
I have atoned myself, hated, and abhorred myself in front of Guru and thus, I have
appropriately repented for the lapses and wrong deeds by mind, speech and body. I bow
to the 24 Jineshvar Bhagawn.
At this time ask for forgiveness from everybody; friends, family, neighbors and
especially from those with whom they have had a problem and hard feelings, and all
living beings.
Everyone recite together

Michchh Mi Dukkadam to entire Sangha

105

Kusagga: The Fifth vashyak


Now we come to the 5th essential. Earlier in the Pratikraman, we did two short
Kusagga. Now we will do Kusagga as a separate essential. For that purpose, we will
first recite the Navakr Mantra.
nam arihantam.
nam siddham.
nam yariyam.
nam uvajjhyam.
nam l savva-sham.
s pacha-namukkr, savva-pva-ppasa;
magalam cha savvsim, pahamam havai magalam.
Now we will recite the English translation of other Sutras
I repent and abhor myself, if I have committed any faults, lapses and violations by acting
against the scriptures, by acting against the right path preached by Jina, by doing
undesirable activities, by evil thinking, by evil behavior, by doing immoral acts, or any
activity unworthy of Shrvak; anytime during the day, either mentally, verbally, or
physically
I repent for committing any faults, lapses and violations in regards to, right knowledge,
right faith, right conduct, scriptural knowledge, Smyika, following three restrains,
control of four passions and, observing twelve vows of Shrvak. I now request that all my
sins be dissolved.
For the sake of atonement, repentance, purification, removing obstacles, and uprooting
the sinful activities, I will now, therefore, do Kusagga.
I shall now engross myself in complete Kyotsarga (meditation) except for breathing in
and out, coughing, sneezing, yawning, belching, letting bodily gas out, episode of
dizziness or fainting and, subtle movements of body, phlegm and eyes.
I shall terminate my Kyotsarga by offering obeisance to Arihanta Bhagawn (by saying,
Namo Arihantnam aloud). Until then I shall not speak, be motionless in the same
place and, renounce all other bodily and mental activities.
Now mentally recite Logassa Sutra four times or Navakr Mantra sixteen times. We will
end the Kusagga by saying Namo Arihantnam aloud.
Now this is the time for pondering over the wrong doings and sins committed during the
day or whole year and contemplating about the ways to repent and to atone for the same.
Devote at least 3 minutes pondering about this for the daily Pratikraman and 10 to 15
minutes for the Samvatsari Pratikraman. We have atoned for many transgressions while
enumerating them. There could however, be other transgressions too. Recall them and
think about their atonement. The atonement is usually laid down in terms of fasting or
106

avoiding some meals. But it does not necessarily consist only of abstaining from food.
Vowing to cultivate modesty, to render service to Sdhu, Sdhvi, and the needy, to resort
to meditation, etc. can also serve the purpose. So, think over the modes that best serve
your purpose.
Now we conclude this essential of Kusagga by reciting Shnti Stotra and Logassa Sutra.

Meaning:
May the entire universe attain bliss; may all living beings be oriented to the interest of
others; let all faults be eliminated; and may people be happy everywhere.

Meaning:
I forgive all living beings; let all living beings forgive me. I am on friendly terms with all.
I have no enmity towards anybody.

Meaning:
Whenever Jineshvar Bhagawn is worshipped all the troubles disintegrate, the shackles of
obstacles break, and the mind achieves a blissful state

107

Meaning:
Jain Darshan and Jain way of life are most auspicious. They are the cause of ultimate
bliss (Moksha). They are the best and the greatest amongst all religious philosophies.
Now everybody will recite following Shnti Stotra (prayer for universal peace), after the
person leading the Pratikraman

Sr-shrama sanghasya Shntirbhavatu


Sr-shrama sanghasya Shntirbhavatu,
Sr-janapadnm Shntirbhavatu
Sr-rajdhipnm Shntirbhavatu,
Sr-rajasanniveshnm Shntirbhavatu
Sr-gotiknm Shntirbhavatu,
Sr-paura-mukhynm Shntirbhavatu
Sr-paura-janasya Shntirbhavatu,
Sr-brahma-lokasya Shntirbhavatu
Om svh, Om svh, Om Sri-Prshva-nthya Svh
Meaning:
Let there be peace for the Jain Sangha. Let there be peace in the world. Let there be peace
for the kings. Let there be peace in the kings' palaces. Let there be peace for the religious
leaders. Let there be peace for the leading citizens as well as the common people. Let
there be peace in the entire universe.

lgassa sutra
lgassa ujja-gar, dhamma-tittha-yar ji.
arihant kittaissam, cauvsam pi kval.........................1.
usabha-majiam ca vand,
sambhava-mabhiandaam ca sumaim ca.
pauma-ppaham supsam, jiam ca canda-ppaham vand...2.
suvihim ca puppha-dantam, sala-sijjansa-vsu-pujjam ca.
vimala-maantam ca jiam, dhammam santim ca vandmi. .3.
kunthum aram ca mallim,
108

vand mui-suvvayam nami-jiam ca.


vandmi riha-nmim, psam taha vaddhamam ca........4.
vam ma abhithu, vihuya-raya-mal paha-jara-mara.
cau-vsam pi jiavar, tittha-yar m pasyantu...............5.
kittiya-vandiya-mahiy, j lgassa uttam siddh.
rugga-bhi-lbham, samhi-vara-muttama-dintu............6.
candsu nimmala-yar, iccsu ahiyam paysa-yar.
sgara-vara-gambhr, siddh siddhim mama disantu........7.
Meaning:
I eulogize and worship the 24 Tirthankars of this current descending half phase of the
time cycle. They have achieved Keval-jnn and the distinction of an Arihanta. They
enlighten the entire universe and establish the four-fold Jain Sangha.
I offer my obeisance and bow down to, Bhagawn Shree Rushabhadev, Ajit-nth,
Sambhav-nth, Abhinandan-swmi, Sumati-nth, Padmaprabha-swmi, Suprshva-nth,
Chandraprabha-swmi, Suvidhi-nth (also known as, Pushpadanta-swmi), Shital-nth,
Shreyns-nth, Vsupujya-swmi, Vimal-nth, Anant-nth, Dharma-nth, Shnti-nth,
Kunthu-nth, Ara-nth, Malli-nth, Munisuvrat-swmi, Nami-nth, Nemi-nth, Prshvanth, and Mahvir-swmi.
Oh! All 24 Tirthankaras, your souls are free from the bondage of karmic particles, and
thus you are free of old age as well as cycles of birth and death. You have propagated the
religious order. I praise all of your virtues, offer my obeisance to you, and worship you.
Please bestow upon me the sense to attain perfect knowledge (Keval-jnn), which shall
lead to ultimate liberation.
You have achieved liberation and therefore, entire universe praises you, worships you,
and offers obeisance to you. Please bestow upon me the right faith (Bodhi-lbh), perfect
spiritual health, and the highest state of contemplation.
Oh! Tirthankar Bhagawn, you are purer than the full moon, brighter than the sun and,
more serene and deeper than the ocean. Oh! Siddha Bhagawn, please bestow upon me
the ultimate Siddhatva (salvation).

109

Conclusion of Pratikraman
I have done Pratikraman with right faith. I now offer obeisance to 24 Tirthankaras
mentally, verbally, and physically.
Thus, I have repented for my sins, reverted back from the sins, criticized my sins, and
purified my soul. I have done this Pratikraman with the true and deep feelings of remorse.
By the virtue of Pratikraman, I have made my soul free of threefold pain caused by
practicing religion without right faith, practicing religion just for the show and practicing
religion for worldly gains. I now repeatedly apologize to Arihantas, Siddhas, Teachers,
Preceptors, Sdhus and Gurus for all the sins committed by me.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
Oh Bhagawn! I have completed all six essential activities; Smyika, Chauvisattho,
Vandan, Pratikraman, Kyotsarga, and Pachchakkhn.
During this Pratikraman, if any letter, word, or verse has been under-said, over-said, or
said otherwise, then in the presence of Arihantas, and infinite Siddha Bhagawn, I pray
that the said lapses be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
Pratikraman done with false belief is like living without vows, and the one done with
reluctance is like indulging in passions. In such cases, Pratikraman is tainted with lapses
and violations. If I am involved in thinking of committing such violations, if I was about
to commit such violations, if I attempted to commit such violations, or if I actually
committed the violations, knowingly or unknowingly, then in the presence of Arihantas
and infinite Siddha Bhagawn, I pray that all my faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam.
Regarding repentance of the past sinful deeds, stopping the present sinful deeds, and
taking vows for the future, if any sins or lapses are knowingly or unknowingly
committed, then in the presence of Arihantas, and infinite Siddha Bhagawn, I pray that
all my faults be dissolved.
Tassa Michchh Mi Dukkadam

Conclusion of Smyika
All this time we have been in the vow of Smyika. For concluding Smyika, we first
bow down while reciting:
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi.
Meaning:
Oh! Guru Mahrj! I wish to offer my obeisance to you. I am giving up all sinful
activities to the best of my ability and I am bowing down my head to you.

110

iriyvahiy sutra
ichchh-kra sandisaha bhagavan! iriyvahiyam
paikkammi? iccham, icchmi paikkamiu........................1.
iriyvahiy, virha....................................................2.
gamagama...............................................................3.
pa-kkama, bya-kkama, hariya-kkama, s-uttigapaaga-daga-ma-makka-sant-sakama...............4.
j m jv virhiy..........................................................5.
gindiy, bindiy, tindiy, caurindiy, pacindiy..........6.
abhihay, vattiy, lsiy, saghiy, saghaiy,
pariyviy, kilmiy, uddaviy, h ham sakmiy, jviy
vavarviy,
tassa micch mi dukkaam...............................................7.
Meaning:
Oh! Guru Mahrj, please voluntarily give me permission to apologize and repent (to do
Pratikraman) for the sins that I may have committed while moving around. (Now Guru
Mahrj will say, Please do so)
I accept your permission. Now I want to apologize and repent (to do Pratikraman).
While walking, I may have trampled upon living beings, seeds, green vegetation, dew, ant
burrows, moss, wet soil and spider webs. Or, I may have hurt one-sensed, two-sensed,
three-sensed, four-sensed or five-sensed living beings; by kicking them, covering them
with dirt, trampling them, colliding them with each other, touching them. Or, I may have
by causing trouble to them by distressing them, frightening them, displacing them from
one place to another, or by killing them.
I therefore, repent and apologize for all these sins that I may have committed.

tassa uttar sutra


tassa uttar-karaam, pyachchhitta-karaam,
vish-karaam, visall-karaam, pva kammam
nigghyaah, hmi kussaggam.
Meaning:
I now want to absolve all those sins committed by me (as mentioned in previous sutra) by
repentance. To purify my soul and to make it free of the pain (caused by practicing
religion without right faith, practicing religion just for the show and practicing religion
for worldly gains.) and to completely destroy all the sins committed by me, I shall now
perform Kyotsarga.
111

annattha-stra
annattha-sasiam, nsasiam, khsiam, chham,
jambhiam, uuam, vya-nisaggam, bhamal,
pitta-muchchh. ...........................................................1.
suhumhim aga-saclhim, suhumhim khla-saclhim,
suhumhim dihi-saclhim. ......................................2.
vamihim grhim, a-bhagg a-virhi,
hujja m kussagg.........................................................3.
jva arihantam bhagavantam,
namukkram na prmi...............................................4.
tva kyam ham mam jham,
appam vsirmi.
Meaning:
I shall now engross myself in complete Kyotsarga (meditation) except for breathing in
and out, coughing, sneezing, yawning, belching, letting bodily gas out, episode of
dizziness or fainting and, subtle movements of body, phlegm and eyes.
I shall terminate my Kyotsarga by offering obeisance to Arihanta Bhagawn (by saying,
Namo Arihantnam aloud). Until then I shall not speak and be motionless in the same
place, shall not speak and renounce all other bodily and mental activities.

lgassa sutra
lgassa ujja-gar, dhamma-tittha-yar ji.
arihant kittaissam, chauvsam pi kval.......................1.
usabha-majiam cha vand,
sambhava-mabhiandaam cha sumaim cha.
pauma-ppaham supsam, jiam cha chanda-ppaham vand..2.
suvihim cha puppha-dantam, sala-sijjansa-vsu-pujjam cha.
vimala-maantam cha jiam, dhammam santim cha vandmi..3.
kunthum aram cha mallim,
vand mui-suvvayam nami-jiam cha.
vandmi riha-nmim, psam taha vaddhamam cha......4.
vam ma abhithu, vihuya-raya-mal paha-jara-mara.
chau-vsam pi jiavar, tittha-yar m pasyantu.............5.
kittiya-vandiya-mahiy, j lgassa uttam siddh.
rugga-bhi-lbham, samhi-vara-muttama-dintu............6.
chandsu nimmala-yar, ichchsu ahiyam paysa-yar.
112

sgara-vara-gambhr, siddh siddhim mama disantu........7.


Meaning:
I eulogize and worship twenty-four Tirthankars of this current descending half phase of
the time cycle. They have achieved Kevaljnn and the distinction of that of Arihanta.
They enlighten the entire universe and they establish the four fold Jain Sangha.
I eulogize and worship twenty-four Tirthankars of this current descending half phase of
the time cycle. They have achieved Kevaljnn and the distinction of that of Arihanta.
They enlighten the entire universe and they establish the four fold Jain Sangha.
I offer my obeisance to and bow down to, Bhagawn Shree Rushabhadev, Ajit-nth,
Sambhav-nth, Abhinandan-swmi, Sumati-nth, Padmaprabha-swmi, Suprshva-nth,
Chandraprabha-swmi, Suvidhi-nth (also known as, Pushpadanta-swmi), Shital-nth,
Shreyns-nth, Vsupujya-swmi, Vimal-nth, Anant-nth, Dharma-nth, Shnti-nth,
Kunthu-nth, Ara-nth, Malli-nth, Munisuvrat-swmi, Nami-nth, Nemi-nth, Prshvanth, and Mahvir-swmi.
Oh! All twenty-four Tirthankaras, your souls are free from the bondage of karmic
particles, and thus you are free of old age as well as cycles of birth and death. You have
propagated the religious order. I praise all of your virtues, offer my obeisance to you, and,
worship you. Please bestow upon me the sense to attain perfect knowledge (Kevaljnn),
which shall lead to ultimate liberation.
You have achieved liberation and therefore, you are praised, worshipped and offered
obeisance to, by the entire universe. Please bestow upon me the right faith (Bodhi Lbh),
perfect spiritual health, and the highest state of contemplation.
Oh! Tirthankar Bhagawn, you are purer than the full moon, brighter than the sun and,
more serene and deeper than the ocean. Oh! Siddha Bhagawn, please bestow upon me
the ultimate Siddhatva (salvation).
Now bow down while reciting:
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi.
Meaning:
Oh! Guru Mahrj! I wish to offer my obeisance to you. I am giving up all sinful
activities to the best of my ability and I am bowing down my head to you.
Now we ask for a permission to inspect Muhapatti by saying:
Ichchhkren sandisah Bhagawn! Muhapatti Padilehu?
Meaning:
I wish to have your honors permission to inspect Muhapatti.
113

If Guru Mahrj were present, he would give permission by saying:


Padilehe a.
Meaning:
Please do so.
Now we accept the permission by saying:
Ichchham
Meaning:
I accept your permission. Now unfold Muhapatti and inspect it as previously explained.
Now bow down while reciting:
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi.
Meaning:
Oh! Guru Mahrj! I wish to offer my obeisance to you. I am giving up all sinful
activities to the best of my ability and I am bowing down my head to you.
Now ask:
Ichchhkren Sandisaha Bhagawn Smyika Pru?
Meaning:
Oh! Guru Mahrj, may I please conclude Smyika?
Guru Mahrj will say,
Puno Vi Kyavvam
Meaning:
You should do Smyika over and over again
Now bow down while reciting:
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi.
Meaning:
Oh! Guru Mahrj! I wish to offer my obeisance to you. I am giving up all sinful
activities to the best of my ability and I am bowing down my head to you.
Now say,
Yathshakti

114

Meaning:
I shall do the same, as and when I can
Now again bow down while reciting:
ichchhmi kham-sama! vandium, jvaijj
nishi?, matthaa vandmi.
Meaning:
Oh! Guru Mahrj! I wish to offer my obeisance to you. I am giving up all sinful
activities to the best of my ability and I am bowing down my head to you.
Now say,
Ichchhkren sandisaha Bhagawn Smyika Pryu
Meaning:
Oh! Guru Mahrj, with your kind permission I am now concluding my Smyika
Guru Mahrj now will say,
yro Na Mottavvo
Meaning:
Please do not forget the benefits of Smyika
Now say,
Tahatti
Meaning:
Yes, Guru Mahrj, I shall do the same
Now, while laying the right hand down, first recite Navakr Mantra.
nam arihantam.
nam siddham.
nam yariyam.
nam uvajjhyam.
nam l savva-sham.
s pacha-namukkr, savva-pva-ppasa;
magalam cha savvsim, pahamam havai magalam.

115

Keep your right hand down and now recite the following Sutra.

smiya-vaya-jutt stra
smiya-vaya-jutt, jva ma hi niyama-sajutt.
chinnai asuham kammam, samiya jatti vr.....................1.
smiyammi u ka, sama iva sva havai jamh.
a kraam, bahus smiyam kujj...........................2.
smyika vidhi s liy, vidhi s pra kiy,
vidhi m, j k avidhi hu h,
una sabak mana-vacana-ky s micch mi dukkaam.......3.
dasa mana k, dasa vacana k, braha ky k-ina battsa d me s j k da lag h,
una sabak mana-vacana-ky s micch mi dukkaam.......4.
Meaning:
As long as someone observes the vow of Smyika, and maintains full control over his
mind, his bad karmas (sins) are eradicated. Moreover, whenever a person is under the
vow of Smyika, he is just like a monk. Therefore, one should do Smyika over and
over again.
I took the vow of this Smyika according to the prescribed method and I shall terminate
the vow of Smyika also in the prescribed method. I ask for your pardon, if I have
deviated from the prescribed method mentally, verbally, or physically.
If I have committed any of the 10 breaches of mental activity, 10 breaches of speech or
12 breaches of bodily actions, respectively through my mind, speech, or body, I apologize
for the same and ask for your pardon.
In the end, extend your right hand with right palm facing you and recite Navakr-mantra.
nam arihantam.
nam siddham.
nam yariyam.
nam uvajjhyam.
nam l savva-sham.
s pacha-namukkr, savva-pva-ppasa;
magalam cha savvsim, pahamam havai magalam.

116

This is the end of Pratikraman. Before completing this ritual, let us mention a few words
about Michchh Mi Dukkadam. Michchh means Be undone. Mi means mine, and
Dukkadam means Evil action. So, the phrase means: Whatever wrong doings I might
have committed, they may be deemed as undone. The intention is to get rid of the
violence or unfriendliness towards any one and, to extend the sense of amity for all. Let
us now extend it to every one by reciting once again,

Meaning:
I forgive all living beings; let all living beings forgive me. I am on friendly terms with all.
I have no enmity towards anybody.

This is the message we convey to every one without any exception, with
utmost sincerity. That is the heart of Pratikraman and of Jainism.

117

118

References
1. Pratikraman Sutra with Explanation. A Hindi text by Muni Shree Nirvn Sagar.
Published by Shree Arunoday Foundation, Koba, India
2. Shree Shrddha-Pratikraman Sutra Prabodha-tik. A Gujarati text researched by
Panys Shree Bhadrankar Vijayji Mahrj and Muni Shree Kalyn Prabha Vijayji
Mahrj and, compiled by Amritlal Doshi. Published by Jain Shitya Viks
Mandal, Ville Parle, Mumbai, India
3. Jain Tattva Praksh. A Gujarati text compiled by Shree Dhirajlal D. Mehta.
Published by Jain Dharma Prasran Trust, Surat, India
4. Pratikraman. An English text published by JAINA, 1992. Originally written by
Mah Satiji Dharma-shilji and Dr. Nilesh Vora and published by Shree
Sthnakvsi Jain Shrvak Sangha, Ghatkopar, Mumbai. Revised and re-written by
Mr. Narendra Sheth and Mrs. Sonal Sheth, San Diego, California, U.S.A.
5. Shree Pratikraman Srth. A Gujarati text published by Shrimad Yasho-vijayji Jain
Sanskrit Pthshl and Shree Jain Shreyaskar Mandal, Mehsn, India
6. English Pratikraman, by Shree Manubhai Doshi, Chicago
7. English Pratikraman, by Shree Harendra Shah, California

119

120

You might also like