Paryushana is a major 10-day Jain festival celebrated during the month of Bhadrapada. In this period, participants practise self-purification, self-criticism and self-control in order to achieve self-improvement. Devotees during these days partake of simple and frugal meals once daily and abstain from worldly vices and addictions. They rededicate themselves to practise dharma as the scriptures define it.

We are special

Jain scriptures speak loftily of the human form of Atman. The human incarnation of Atman is a rare privilege and should not be frittered away in the pursuit of physical pleasures and material gains. Human beings are seen as the best and the most perfect creations of the Almighty and this incarnation must be utilised by the Atman to rid itself of worldly bondage. Dharma, righteousness, and viveka or discretion sets human beings apart from other life forms. Viveka helps us to realise the true Self or the dharma of the Atman.

The dharma of the Atman — Dasha Lakhsyana in Jainism — is considered a prelude to attain nirvana or eternal bliss. It consists of 10 traits, which have been equated with 10 stepping stones leading towards realising this goal. Each trait is assigned one day of the Paryushana festivities. 

The dharmas of the Atman are: Mardawa which means gentleness of nature or the feeling of pride. Pride leads to immodesty and impropriety of conduct and so should be shunned. Arjava means honesty and righteousness. It implies leading a life free of deceit and craftiness. Our day-to- day dealings and business should be conducted with honesty and uprightness. Satya or truthfulness is understanding and believing in the true nature and form of things. Being truthful and behaving ethically with fellow beings is what satya is all about. Shauch means cleanliness or freedom from defilement. It involves keeping the Atman free of the kshayas and other vices of the world. Sanyama means practising moderation and abstinence in everyday life.

Devotional penance

Tapa means devotional penance. Leading the life of a recluse or hermit while keeping oneself engaged in meditation and study of religion is Tapa. Tyaga is to relinquish or to give away in charity; to donate one’s material possessions and wealth willingly for the welfare of the needy. Aparigraha is applying self-imposed limit for worldly possessions. Even the desire to have more wealth and material gains is kept in check through constant practice of Aparigraha. Brahmacharya or celibacy means maintaining chaste, moral behaviour under all circumstances.

Universal forgiveness

The last day of Paryushana is celebrated as the day of universal forgiveness. On this day, all people forgive and seek forgiveness from one another for any hurts or offences committed knowingly or unknowingly by them. The qualities or the dharmas of Atman — forgiveness, truthfulness, morality, moderation and charity are also the ever-needed principles of good social behaviour. These virtues act as buffers in resolving interpersonal conflicts, family feuds and communal tensions. In society, they can play a vital role in promoting communal peace and social harmony. At the individual level, observance of these dharmas can help us attain mental peace and raise the Atman to greater glory on the path of nirvana. These dharmas can pave the way for social integration and all-round prosperity.