Shravak Pratikraman I श्रावक प्रतिक्रमण सूत्र I Terapanth I Jain I
Pratikramana प्रतिक्रमण also spelled Pratikraman, is a ritual during which Jains repent (prayaschit) for their sins and non-meritorious activities committed knowingly or inadvertently during their daily life through thought, speech or action. Pratikramana also refers to a combition of six avashyaks (essential rituals), being Samayik (state of total equanimity), Chauvisantho (honoring the 24 Tirthankars), Vandana - (offering salutations to sadhus (monks) and sadhvis (nuns), Pratikramana (introspection and repentance), Kayotsarga (meditation of the soul) and Pratyakhyan (renunciation).
Although frequency of repenting varies, devout Jains often practice Pratikraman at least twice a day.
Jainism considers the soul, in its pure form, to have infinite perception, knowledge, and vigor, and to be non-attached. These attributes are not seen in a worldly soul because it is soiled with karmas. By following religious principles and activities, Jains believe they overcome karmas and promote liberation of the soul. There are various rituals, of which Pratikraman is the most important. During pratikraman, Jains repent for non-meritorious activities on a daily basis.
Pratikraman must be performed twice every day, or at least once every day after sunset. If that is not possible, at least on every Pakkhi (24 times in a year).
Types of Pratikramana
There are five types of Pratikramana:
1. Devasi
2. Rayi
3. Pakhi
4. Chaumasi
5. Samvatsari
Devasi Pratikramana
Devasi Pratikramana' is performed daily in the evening.
Rayi Pratikramana
Rayi Pratikramana is performed in the early morning.
Pakhi Pratikramana
Pakhi Pratikramana is done once every fifteen days.
Chaumasi Pratikramana
Chaumasi Pratikramana is done once in four months on the Purnima (full moon) of the Kartik, Falgun and Aṣaṛh months for the sins committed during that period.
Samvatsari Pratikramana, is done once per year on the last day of Paryushana mahaparv for the sins committed during the whole year.
I Bhikhu Swam I