DHANPAL JAIN
Paryushan is the most important annual Jain observance. For both Shvetambars, who observe the festival over a period of eight days, and Digambars, for whom Paryushan Parva lasts 10 days, this is a time of intensive study, reflection and purification. It takes place in the middle of the rainy season, a time when Jain monks and nuns cease travelling and stay with a community and are available to them for instruction and guidance.
Paryushan means "abiding" or "coming together". It is also a time when the laity takes on vows of study and fasting with a spiritual intensity similar to (temporary) monasticism. Paryushan concludes with confession and forgiveness for the transgressions of the previous year.
The most important part of Paryushan is daily meditation and prayer, which provides an opportunity for looking within and towards the teachings of the Tirthankaras for guidance. Beginning on the fourth day of Paryushan, it is customary for Murtipujak Shvetambars to read from the Kalpa Sutra, a scripture which recounts the life of Mahavira the 14 dreams of his mother before his birth, followed by the story of his birth, life and liberation. It also recounts the lives of other Tirthankaras and the rules of Paryushan. Among Mahavira's teachings are those that advocate gender equity, of the importance of ensuring equal status to both women and men.
The book of scripture would be carried ceremonially through the streets, water sprinkled in its path along the way, purifying the entire town. Jains often take time off from work during this period and eat a much simpler diet than their usual vegetarian diet. Jains avoid eating root vegetables like potatoes, onions and garlic as harvesting them for food would entail destroying the entire plant.
For Shvetambars, the final day of Paryushan is Samvastsari Pratikraman, the annual confession. The ritual of asking forgiveness from the teacher is widened in scope to include family and friends and, finally, all living beings. The culmination of confession is receiving forgiveness from all living beings and also granting forgiveness to all. This ritual of forgiveness is sometimes called the rite of "universal friendship". The spirit of the day is contained in this verse: "I grant forgiveness to all living beings, May all living beings grant me forgiveness; My friendship is with all living beings, My enmity is totally non-existent. Let there be peace, harmony and prosperity for all."
One cannot consume any fruits or even a grain during the fasting period or upvaas, informs Nun Mallipragya. Wouldn't it be difficult to remain without eating any food? Divya Mehta, who has fasted for 31 days at a stretch, says: "We live in a sea of energy. Our bodies gain energy indirectly from the food we eat, while we gain direct energy from the cosmic energy that flows into us through the medulla oblongata at the bottom of the brain. But this kind of acceptance of energy depends upon our mental set-up. The greater the will, the greater would be the flow of energy."
Penance is given high importance to purify one's soul. In the time cycle, Lord Rishabh started the penance for one year at a stretch. The same tradition is followed even today. During the process of penance, all the accumulated toxins in the cells of the body over a period of time start to melt away. Since the body's energies are concentrated in cleaning and detoxification during the fasting process, rest becomes a necessary adjunct. The body parts are recharged and relaxed. This minimises physical ailments, increases strength and keeps body, mind and the hormonal balance in tact.
The writer is a law student at the University of Mumbai.
Showing posts with label Forgiveness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Forgiveness. Show all posts
Wednesday
Celebrate forgiveness: Kshamavani parv
16 Sep 2008, 0000 hrs IST, RAVINDRA KUMAR JAIN
Jainism is self-originated. No ‘Tirthankar’ founded it. It has however, produced ‘Tirthankars’.
Jinology does not perceive the existence of God. It acknowledges the self as atman . Jain philosophy is based on self-realisation, atmadarshan .
Rishabhdev and Mahavir are the first and last of 24 Tirthankars respectively of the present 6-cycle period of Jain chronology. Jina or the one who has overcome the mind and senses, attains omniscience and then salvation. Jina's Vani , wordless, is revealed to the Gandhar or pontiff in His samarsaran or congregation. Only the Gandhar can comprehend it, and he briefs those present there.
Veetraga or detachment is the key to moksha complete renunciation of all possessions including loin-cloth and absolute abandonment of attachments and aversions. Ahimsa or non-violence, aparigrah or non-possession, anekant or non-absolutism are the three primordial principles of Jainism. Ratna-traya or the three jewels are: right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct are paths to moksha .
Jinas have elucidated Daslakshan Dharma or the ten noble virtues of the soul, namely, forgiveness, humility, sincerity, purity, truthfulness, self-restraint, penance, charity, non-possession and celibacy. These intrinsic characteristics of the self are vigorously practised and reverently venerated during Daslakshan Maha Parv which falls thrice a year. But the month of Bhadrapad (September) coincides with chaturmas of Jain Munis in the rainy season affording rare opportunity of attending their discourses.
So this sacred and supreme parv of reflection, meditation, adoration, and self-purgation is celebrated from the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapad till Anant Chaturdashi for ten days with fervour and devotion.
It commences with Kshama Dharma and also concludes with Kshamavani Parv on the 1st day of the dark half of the month of Ashwin , because Kshama Dharma holds the paramount position in all the ten dharmas . Devotees change the course of their daily lives entirely absorbed in prayer, studying scriptures, eulogising, attending sermons of sadhus , fasting for days together, taking very restricted and light diet, contemplating and leading ascetic-like life, exercising severe austerity for spiritual enlightenment.
Kshamavani Day marks the conclusion of the Maha Parv of self-purification. Kshama is a Sanskrit word. Its first letter ksha embodies a knot. The second letter ma means a ban, meaning thereby that wielding a knot in your heart for any jiva is banned. Bear malice towards none.
Harbour feelings of goodwill and friendship for one and all. Abandon all passions like anger, egoism, hypocrisy and greed that hold the soul to bondage. Passions attract karmic particles which get fastened to the soul. Without eschewing passions lock, stock and barrel the attainment of liberation, the supreme goal of our life, cannot be accomplished.
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is beastly conduct, whereas forgiveness for an offence is divine. Subvert anger by forgiveness. Subdue pride by modesty and overcome animosity, hatred through love and compassion. Horrible killings are globally taking place in the name of religion. Jain tenets strongly forbid to observe any ideology that is biased or ignorant.
Sandalwood perfumes even the axe that hews it down. Burn it and its perfume wafts all around. Such is the enchanting beauty of forgiveness in life. Forgiveness is the attribute of the brave.
We need profound love to forgive but need more humility to ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness is the topmost virtue of self. It is the best tradition of Jain Darshan .
Jainism is self-originated. No ‘Tirthankar’ founded it. It has however, produced ‘Tirthankars’.
Jinology does not perceive the existence of God. It acknowledges the self as atman . Jain philosophy is based on self-realisation, atmadarshan .
Rishabhdev and Mahavir are the first and last of 24 Tirthankars respectively of the present 6-cycle period of Jain chronology. Jina or the one who has overcome the mind and senses, attains omniscience and then salvation. Jina's Vani , wordless, is revealed to the Gandhar or pontiff in His samarsaran or congregation. Only the Gandhar can comprehend it, and he briefs those present there.
Veetraga or detachment is the key to moksha complete renunciation of all possessions including loin-cloth and absolute abandonment of attachments and aversions. Ahimsa or non-violence, aparigrah or non-possession, anekant or non-absolutism are the three primordial principles of Jainism. Ratna-traya or the three jewels are: right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct are paths to moksha .
Jinas have elucidated Daslakshan Dharma or the ten noble virtues of the soul, namely, forgiveness, humility, sincerity, purity, truthfulness, self-restraint, penance, charity, non-possession and celibacy. These intrinsic characteristics of the self are vigorously practised and reverently venerated during Daslakshan Maha Parv which falls thrice a year. But the month of Bhadrapad (September) coincides with chaturmas of Jain Munis in the rainy season affording rare opportunity of attending their discourses.
So this sacred and supreme parv of reflection, meditation, adoration, and self-purgation is celebrated from the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapad till Anant Chaturdashi for ten days with fervour and devotion.
It commences with Kshama Dharma and also concludes with Kshamavani Parv on the 1st day of the dark half of the month of Ashwin , because Kshama Dharma holds the paramount position in all the ten dharmas . Devotees change the course of their daily lives entirely absorbed in prayer, studying scriptures, eulogising, attending sermons of sadhus , fasting for days together, taking very restricted and light diet, contemplating and leading ascetic-like life, exercising severe austerity for spiritual enlightenment.
Kshamavani Day marks the conclusion of the Maha Parv of self-purification. Kshama is a Sanskrit word. Its first letter ksha embodies a knot. The second letter ma means a ban, meaning thereby that wielding a knot in your heart for any jiva is banned. Bear malice towards none.
Harbour feelings of goodwill and friendship for one and all. Abandon all passions like anger, egoism, hypocrisy and greed that hold the soul to bondage. Passions attract karmic particles which get fastened to the soul. Without eschewing passions lock, stock and barrel the attainment of liberation, the supreme goal of our life, cannot be accomplished.
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is beastly conduct, whereas forgiveness for an offence is divine. Subvert anger by forgiveness. Subdue pride by modesty and overcome animosity, hatred through love and compassion. Horrible killings are globally taking place in the name of religion. Jain tenets strongly forbid to observe any ideology that is biased or ignorant.
Sandalwood perfumes even the axe that hews it down. Burn it and its perfume wafts all around. Such is the enchanting beauty of forgiveness in life. Forgiveness is the attribute of the brave.
We need profound love to forgive but need more humility to ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness is the topmost virtue of self. It is the best tradition of Jain Darshan .
Tuesday
Jainism:The art of Living With Joy
jainism:The art of living with joy
By: Jyotindra N Doshi
847-392-4577 jyotinjain@yahoo.com
"JINA" means victor: the individual who has conquered his passions of anger, pride, greed, hatred, and thoroughly achieved self realization. The followers of Jina is Jain. Jainism directs each individual, like you and me, how to make upward progress of our spirit, soul, and how to gain eternal happiness in our life.
There are five codes of conduct: 1) Non-Violance (Ahimsa) 2) Truth (Satya) 3) Non- Stealing (Achauraya) 4) Purity of body and mind (Bramacharya) 5) Non-possessiveness (Aparigrah) These codes are similar to the ethical code preached by other religions in the world.
In our body there are five major power centers: 1) Center of Knowledge located on the top of the head. 2) Center of Perception located between the eyebrows. 3) Center of Purification located in the throat. 4) Center of Happiness located near the heart. 5) Center of Energy located in the navel area.
Following is the process of mediation through which we control our mind and concentrate on the great qualities of our soul. 1) Breathing Technique: Exhale-Inhale nine times at each power center. 2) Sound Vibration: Creating 'OHM' or Navkarmantra. 3) Feel the flow of energy through different centers starting from the naval to the head. 4) Think about pure qualities of the soul. Think about a perfect, bodiless soul. Think about these affirmations: Perfect knowledge: I have power of knowledge. Perfect vision: I have power of vision. Eternal Happiness: I am eternal happiness. Perfect Energy: I have energy. Everlasting: I am everlasting.
5) Forgiveness: KHAMEMI SAVVE JIVA I forgive all the living beings. SAVVE JIVA KHAMANTU ME I seek pardon from all the living beings. MITTI ME SAVVA BHUTESU I am friendly towards all the living beings VERAM MAJJHAM NA KENVI And seek enmity with none. MICHHAMI DUKKADAM! Forgive me for my ignorance!
6) Self-Realization: I am pure soul. I am not body. Concentrate on three spiritual jewels: Right Knowledge, Right Vision and Right Conduct. While meditating, exhale and inhale through the process, drawing our energy from the naval to head. Concentrate on endless virtues and attributes of our soul. The practice of meditation helps us to purify our mental state, to control our emotions of hatred, greed, etc., and feel eternal happiness and serenity. Enlightened Perception,Enlightened Knowledge,Enlightened conduct Leads to Liberation,Moksha,(Freedom from cycle of Birth and death).
Jyotindra N.Doshi, Jainism Spiritual Speaker (International), Trustee,Interfaith chair(JSMC)
By: Jyotindra N Doshi
847-392-4577 jyotinjain@yahoo.com
"JINA" means victor: the individual who has conquered his passions of anger, pride, greed, hatred, and thoroughly achieved self realization. The followers of Jina is Jain. Jainism directs each individual, like you and me, how to make upward progress of our spirit, soul, and how to gain eternal happiness in our life.
There are five codes of conduct: 1) Non-Violance (Ahimsa) 2) Truth (Satya) 3) Non- Stealing (Achauraya) 4) Purity of body and mind (Bramacharya) 5) Non-possessiveness (Aparigrah) These codes are similar to the ethical code preached by other religions in the world.
In our body there are five major power centers: 1) Center of Knowledge located on the top of the head. 2) Center of Perception located between the eyebrows. 3) Center of Purification located in the throat. 4) Center of Happiness located near the heart. 5) Center of Energy located in the navel area.
Following is the process of mediation through which we control our mind and concentrate on the great qualities of our soul. 1) Breathing Technique: Exhale-Inhale nine times at each power center. 2) Sound Vibration: Creating 'OHM' or Navkarmantra. 3) Feel the flow of energy through different centers starting from the naval to the head. 4) Think about pure qualities of the soul. Think about a perfect, bodiless soul. Think about these affirmations: Perfect knowledge: I have power of knowledge. Perfect vision: I have power of vision. Eternal Happiness: I am eternal happiness. Perfect Energy: I have energy. Everlasting: I am everlasting.
5) Forgiveness: KHAMEMI SAVVE JIVA I forgive all the living beings. SAVVE JIVA KHAMANTU ME I seek pardon from all the living beings. MITTI ME SAVVA BHUTESU I am friendly towards all the living beings VERAM MAJJHAM NA KENVI And seek enmity with none. MICHHAMI DUKKADAM! Forgive me for my ignorance!
6) Self-Realization: I am pure soul. I am not body. Concentrate on three spiritual jewels: Right Knowledge, Right Vision and Right Conduct. While meditating, exhale and inhale through the process, drawing our energy from the naval to head. Concentrate on endless virtues and attributes of our soul. The practice of meditation helps us to purify our mental state, to control our emotions of hatred, greed, etc., and feel eternal happiness and serenity. Enlightened Perception,Enlightened Knowledge,Enlightened conduct Leads to Liberation,Moksha,(Freedom from cycle of Birth and death).
Jyotindra N.Doshi, Jainism Spiritual Speaker (International), Trustee,Interfaith chair(JSMC)
Practice Makes Perfect: It Means Hard Work
What kind of sadhana is it that does not result in the abatement of all passion? The whole system of spirituality and all religious tales are designed to subdue passion.
According to Mahavira, eating is the greatest obstacle to self-control; it gives rise to indolence. How can he who is not moderate in eating, ever conquer sloth? How can a person who does not get rid of lethargy, indolence and negligence, ever achieve self-control?
Begin the practice of self-control with fasting. Eat less. This is the first principle of self-control. The second relates to the body. It is necessary for us to exercise control over the body, to train it.
Start by contemplating upon and practising good habits, and by inhibiting bad habits. Our nerves and muscles are accustomed to function in a particular way and if we do not effect a change, we go on mechanically as before. We have a longing for sweets on certain occasions, because the tongue is accustomed to a particular taste.
The nerves and muscles come to demand something, which they are accustomed to having on a particular occasion.
In the matter of eating, thinking or doing any other work, our sinews habitually function in the manner we have accustomed them to function. Those who live in a lofty building, are at first extremely careful while descending the stairs.
Gradually, they become accustomed to the act and after some time they do it mechanically. To begin with, the novice-typists look at each letter before they type it, but with practice, their fingers move freely without the necessity of looking at the keyboard since the fingers have grown accustomed to it.
Similarly, in any undertaking, our sinews start working in the manner we have accustomed them to function, and the task stands fulfilled without any conscious effort on our part.
One practises meditation today, gives the sinews a taste of meditation and accustoms them to it. Next day, however, he does no meditation, nor the day after. On the fourth day, he sits down to meditate again. Practising by fits and starts does not help in the cultivation of habit. Do not be remiss.
Keep practising daily. Irregular practice is not conducive to the confirmation of the habit of retrospection.
You practise forgiveness today, show tolerance, but quarrel and fight the next day, forgive again and yet again quarrel and fight — this will not confirm in you the habit of forgiveness. If you want to cultivate a habit, do it without any reservation, without any remissness till it is firmly established.
That is the second principle of body training, of accustoming the body to bear pain and discomfort. This state of indifference is achieved through the practice of asanas, pranayama and kayotsarga. The body is so trained as to perform any task you command.
The third principle of self-control is living in seclusion. It means not to allow the present moment to continue but to reverse it. There are two orders — the order of nature and the order of sadhana.
All our sexual impulses originate from the Centre of Energy and it is with the help of this centre that man fulfils his sexual desire. It is a centre provided by nature for gratification of sexual urge. By living in seclusion, we can change it.
According to Mahavira, eating is the greatest obstacle to self-control; it gives rise to indolence. How can he who is not moderate in eating, ever conquer sloth? How can a person who does not get rid of lethargy, indolence and negligence, ever achieve self-control?
Begin the practice of self-control with fasting. Eat less. This is the first principle of self-control. The second relates to the body. It is necessary for us to exercise control over the body, to train it.
Start by contemplating upon and practising good habits, and by inhibiting bad habits. Our nerves and muscles are accustomed to function in a particular way and if we do not effect a change, we go on mechanically as before. We have a longing for sweets on certain occasions, because the tongue is accustomed to a particular taste.
The nerves and muscles come to demand something, which they are accustomed to having on a particular occasion.
In the matter of eating, thinking or doing any other work, our sinews habitually function in the manner we have accustomed them to function. Those who live in a lofty building, are at first extremely careful while descending the stairs.
Gradually, they become accustomed to the act and after some time they do it mechanically. To begin with, the novice-typists look at each letter before they type it, but with practice, their fingers move freely without the necessity of looking at the keyboard since the fingers have grown accustomed to it.
Similarly, in any undertaking, our sinews start working in the manner we have accustomed them to function, and the task stands fulfilled without any conscious effort on our part.
One practises meditation today, gives the sinews a taste of meditation and accustoms them to it. Next day, however, he does no meditation, nor the day after. On the fourth day, he sits down to meditate again. Practising by fits and starts does not help in the cultivation of habit. Do not be remiss.
Keep practising daily. Irregular practice is not conducive to the confirmation of the habit of retrospection.
You practise forgiveness today, show tolerance, but quarrel and fight the next day, forgive again and yet again quarrel and fight — this will not confirm in you the habit of forgiveness. If you want to cultivate a habit, do it without any reservation, without any remissness till it is firmly established.
That is the second principle of body training, of accustoming the body to bear pain and discomfort. This state of indifference is achieved through the practice of asanas, pranayama and kayotsarga. The body is so trained as to perform any task you command.
The third principle of self-control is living in seclusion. It means not to allow the present moment to continue but to reverse it. There are two orders — the order of nature and the order of sadhana.
All our sexual impulses originate from the Centre of Energy and it is with the help of this centre that man fulfils his sexual desire. It is a centre provided by nature for gratification of sexual urge. By living in seclusion, we can change it.
Monday
jainism:The art of living
jainism:The art of living (with joy)
By: Jyotindra N Doshi 847-392-4577
jyotinjain@yahoo.com
"JINA" means victor: the individual who has conquered his passions of anger, pride, greed, hatred, and thoroughly achieved self realization. The followers of Jina is Jain. Jainism directs each individual, like you and me, how to make upward progress of our spirit, soul, and how to gain eternal happiness in our life.
There are five codes of conduct: 1) Non-Violance (Ahimsa) 2) Truth (Satya) 3) Non- Stealing (Achauraya) 4) Purity of body and mind (Bramacharya) 5) Non-possessiveness (Aparigrah) These codes are similar to the ethical code preached by other religions in the world.
In our body there are five major power centers: 1) Center of Knowledge located on the top of the head. 2) Center of Perception located between the eyebrows. 3) Center of Purification located in the throat. 4) Center of Happiness located near the heart. 5) Center of Energy located in the navel area.
Following is the process of mediation through which we control our mind and concentrate on the great qualities of our soul. 1) Breathing Technique: Exhale-Inhale nine times at each power center. 2) Sound Vibration: Creating 'OHM' or Navkarmantra. 3) Feel the flow of energy through different centers starting from the naval to the head. 4) Think about pure qualities of the soul. Think about a perfect, bodiless soul. Think about these affirmations: Perfect knowledge: I have power of knowledge. Perfect vision: I have power of vision. Eternal Happiness: I am eternal happiness. Perfect Energy: I have energy. Everlasting: I am everlasting.
5) Forgiveness: KHAMEMI SAVVE JIVA I forgive all the living beings. SAVVE JIVA KHAMANTU ME I seek pardon from all the living beings. MITTI ME SAVVA BHUTESU I am friendly towards all the living beings VERAM MAJJHAM NA KENVI And seek enmity with none. MICHHAMI DUKKADAM! Forgive me for my ignorance!
6) Self-Realization: I am pure soul. I am not body. Concentrate on three spiritual jewels: Right Knowledge, Right Vision and Right Conduct. While meditating, exhale and inhale through the process, drawing our energy from the naval to head. Concentrate on endless virtues and attributes of our soul. The practice of meditation helps us to purify our mental state, to control our emotions of hatred, greed, etc., and feel eternal happiness and serenity. Enlightened Perception,Enlightened Knowledge,Enlightened conduct Leads to Liberation,Moksha,(Freedom from cycle of Birth and death).
Jyotindra N.Doshi, Jainism Spiritual Speaker (International), Trustee,Interfaith chair(JSMC)
By: Jyotindra N Doshi 847-392-4577
jyotinjain@yahoo.com
"JINA" means victor: the individual who has conquered his passions of anger, pride, greed, hatred, and thoroughly achieved self realization. The followers of Jina is Jain. Jainism directs each individual, like you and me, how to make upward progress of our spirit, soul, and how to gain eternal happiness in our life.
There are five codes of conduct: 1) Non-Violance (Ahimsa) 2) Truth (Satya) 3) Non- Stealing (Achauraya) 4) Purity of body and mind (Bramacharya) 5) Non-possessiveness (Aparigrah) These codes are similar to the ethical code preached by other religions in the world.
In our body there are five major power centers: 1) Center of Knowledge located on the top of the head. 2) Center of Perception located between the eyebrows. 3) Center of Purification located in the throat. 4) Center of Happiness located near the heart. 5) Center of Energy located in the navel area.
Following is the process of mediation through which we control our mind and concentrate on the great qualities of our soul. 1) Breathing Technique: Exhale-Inhale nine times at each power center. 2) Sound Vibration: Creating 'OHM' or Navkarmantra. 3) Feel the flow of energy through different centers starting from the naval to the head. 4) Think about pure qualities of the soul. Think about a perfect, bodiless soul. Think about these affirmations: Perfect knowledge: I have power of knowledge. Perfect vision: I have power of vision. Eternal Happiness: I am eternal happiness. Perfect Energy: I have energy. Everlasting: I am everlasting.
5) Forgiveness: KHAMEMI SAVVE JIVA I forgive all the living beings. SAVVE JIVA KHAMANTU ME I seek pardon from all the living beings. MITTI ME SAVVA BHUTESU I am friendly towards all the living beings VERAM MAJJHAM NA KENVI And seek enmity with none. MICHHAMI DUKKADAM! Forgive me for my ignorance!
6) Self-Realization: I am pure soul. I am not body. Concentrate on three spiritual jewels: Right Knowledge, Right Vision and Right Conduct. While meditating, exhale and inhale through the process, drawing our energy from the naval to head. Concentrate on endless virtues and attributes of our soul. The practice of meditation helps us to purify our mental state, to control our emotions of hatred, greed, etc., and feel eternal happiness and serenity. Enlightened Perception,Enlightened Knowledge,Enlightened conduct Leads to Liberation,Moksha,(Freedom from cycle of Birth and death).
Jyotindra N.Doshi, Jainism Spiritual Speaker (International), Trustee,Interfaith chair(JSMC)
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