Paryushana: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 20:48, 30 December 2024

Paryushana is one of the most important annual festivals for the Jain community. It is observed by both the Svetambara and Digambara sects of Jainism, although the duration and specific practices may vary between the two.

Etymology[edit]

The term "Paryushana" means "abiding" or "coming together." It signifies a time when Jains take a break from their daily routines to focus on spiritual upliftment and self-discipline.

Duration[edit]

For the Svetambara sect, Paryushana lasts for eight days, while for the Digambara sect, it extends for ten days. The festival typically occurs in the month of Bhadrapada in the Hindu calendar, which corresponds to August or September in the Gregorian calendar.

Practices[edit]

During Paryushana, Jains engage in various religious activities, including:

Fasting: Many Jains observe fasting, ranging from partial fasting to complete fasting, where they abstain from food and water.
Pratikraman: A ritual of repentance and reflection, performed daily during the festival.
Reading of Scriptures: Jains read from the Kalpa Sutra and other sacred texts.
Forgiveness: The festival culminates in the observance of Kshamavani, or "Forgiveness Day," where Jains seek forgiveness from others for any harm they may have caused, intentionally or unintentionally.

Significance[edit]

Paryushana is a time for Jains to purify their minds and bodies, seek forgiveness, and renew their commitment to the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), and other ethical principles. It is a period of intense spiritual renewal and community bonding.

Conclusion[edit]

Paryushana serves as a reminder of the core values of Jainism and provides an opportunity for Jains to deepen their spiritual practice and strengthen their community ties.

References[edit]

Pravin K.,

 Jainism: The World of Conquerors, 
  
 Sussex Academic Press, 
 2001, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-1-898723-99-8,

Jain World(link). {{{website}}}.

Accessed 2023-10-10.

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-[[File:Paryushan_at_badawada.jpg|Paryushan at badawada|thumb]] [[File:Paryushan_at_badawada.jpg|Paryushan at badawada|thumb|left]] '''Paryushana''' is one of the most important and sacred festivals of the [[Jainism|Jain]] community. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal and self-discipline for Jains, during which they increase their level of spiritual intensity often using fasting, prayer, and meditation. The festival marks a period of purification and penance and is observed by both of the major sects of Jainism: the [[Digambara]] and the [[Svetambara]]. The duration of Paryushana varies between the two sects; the Svetambara sect observes it for eight days, while for the Digambara sect, it lasts for ten days and is known as Das Lakshana.
-==Origins and Significance==
+{{Infobox festival
-The origins of Paryushana are linked to the wandering monastic lifestyle of the Jain monks. Traditionally, these monks would settle in one place for the rainy season, which coincides with Paryushana. This practice is known as ''varshavas'', literally meaning "rain dwell". During this time, the monks engage in intensive study, fasting, and meditation, setting an example for the Jain lay community.
+| name = Paryushana
+| image =
+| caption =
+| observedby = [[Jainism|Jains]]
+| date = Varies according to the [[lunar calendar]]
+| frequency = Annual
+| duration = 8-10 days
+}}
-The festival's significance lies in its focus on spiritual renewal, penance, and forgiveness. It is a time when Jains take vows to observe various religious practices more rigorously, engage in charitable acts, and seek forgiveness from all living beings for any harm they may have caused, intentionally or unintentionally. This practice of seeking forgiveness is encapsulated in the phrase "Micchami Dukkadam," which is widely used during Paryushana.
+'''Paryushana''' is one of the most important annual festivals for the [[Jainism|Jain]] community. It is observed by both the [[Svetambara]] and [[Digambara]] sects of Jainism, although the duration and specific practices may vary between the two.
-==Practices==
+== Etymology ==
-During Paryushana, Jains undertake various religious practices such as fasting, reading scriptures, and performing [[Samayika]], a ritual that involves meditation and the affirmation of the Jain identity. The recitation of the [[Kalpa Sutra]], which recounts the life of Lord [[Mahavira]], the 24th Tirthankara, is a key part of the festival for the Svetambara sect. The Digambara sect focuses on the ten cardinal virtues, such as forgiveness, humility, and truthfulness, during the Das Lakshana period.
+The term "Paryushana" means "abiding" or "coming together." It signifies a time when Jains take a break from their daily routines to focus on spiritual upliftment and self-discipline.
-One of the festival's highlights is the practice of Pratikramana, a form of confession and repentance for past sins, performed daily during Paryushana. This ritual reinforces the Jain ideals of non-violence, truth, and asceticism.
+== Duration ==
+For the [[Svetambara]] sect, Paryushana lasts for eight days, while for the [[Digambara]] sect, it extends for ten days. The festival typically occurs in the month of [[Bhadrapada]] in the [[Hindu calendar]], which corresponds to August or September in the [[Gregorian calendar]].
-==Conclusion==
+== Practices ==
-Paryushana is a time for Jains to reflect on their actions over the past year and to purify their souls by observing various religious practices. It is a period for self-discipline, penance, and seeking forgiveness, which are central to Jain ethics and spirituality. The festival not only strengthens the individual's commitment to Jain principles but also fosters a sense of community among Jains worldwide.
+During Paryushana, Jains engage in various religious activities, including:
+* '''Fasting''': Many Jains observe fasting, ranging from partial fasting to complete fasting, where they abstain from food and water.
+* '''Pratikraman''': A ritual of repentance and reflection, performed daily during the festival.
+* '''Reading of Scriptures''': Jains read from the [[Kalpa Sutra]] and other sacred texts.
+* '''Forgiveness''': The festival culminates in the observance of [[Kshamavani]], or "Forgiveness Day," where Jains seek forgiveness from others for any harm they may have caused, intentionally or unintentionally.
+== Significance ==
+Paryushana is a time for Jains to purify their minds and bodies, seek forgiveness, and renew their commitment to the principles of [[Ahimsa]] (non-violence), [[Satya]] (truth), and other [[Jain ethics|ethical principles]]. It is a period of intense spiritual renewal and community bonding.
+== Conclusion ==
+Paryushana serves as a reminder of the core values of Jainism and provides an opportunity for Jains to deepen their spiritual practice and strengthen their community ties.
+== See also ==
+* [[Jainism]]
+* [[Svetambara]]
+* [[Digambara]]
+* [[Ahimsa]]
+* [[Kshamavani]]
+== References ==
+* {{Cite book |last=Jain |first=Pravin K. |title=Jainism: The World of Conquerors |year=2001 |publisher=Sussex Academic Press |isbn=978-1-898723-99-8}}
+* {{Cite web |url=https://www.jainworld.com |title=Jain World |access-date=2023-10-10}}
 [[Category:Jain festivals]]
 [[Category:Religious festivals in India]]
-{{Religion-stub}}
+[[Category:Festivals in August]]
+[[Category:Festivals in September]]