Panchusan was celebrated in our school on 07.09.2015. Our students enacted a drama demonstrating the beleif on Paryushan parv.
Panchusan (Paryushana )is an important Jain festival celebrated in the month of August or September. Paryushana means "abiding, coming together". The duration of Paryusana is for eight days for Swetambar jains and ten days for jains belonging to the Digambara sect. Paryusana is a time when the laity take on vows of study and fasting with a spiritual intensity similar to temporary monasticism.
During Paryushana, Jains observe a fast. The span of the fast can last from a day to 30 days or even more. In Digambara sect,They do not take food and or water (boiled) more than once in a day when observing fasts, while those other in Swetambar sect observe a fast survive on boiled water, which is consumed only between sunrise and sunset.
On all the eight or ten days, Jains begin their day with pratikramana, or Jain meditation, at 5.45 in the morning, followed by prayers for promoting universal peace and brotherhood. Pratikramana means turning back; also called samayika, the practitioner reflects on their spiritual journey and renews their faith. . The period can be twice daily (morning and evening), once every lunar phase, every four months or every year.
The annual pratikramana is called Samvatsari Pratikramana. Since it coincides with the end of Paryushana, the terms "Samvatsari" and "Paryushana" are sometimes used interchangeably. Pratikramana includes six avasyakas or essentials:
- samayika: to stay in equanimity by withdrawing to the self.
- Chauvisantho or Prayers to the Five Supremes, 24 jinas and the four mangalas, including the Dharma as presented by the ancient Masters.
- Vandana or Prayer to the Master or the deity.
- Pratikramana or reflections on vratas and past transgressions.
- Kayotsarga: detachment from the body by controlling it.
- Pratyakhyana: making resolutions or vows.
At the conclusion of the festival, the Sravakas request each other for forgiveness for all offenses committed during the last year. Forgiveness is asked by telling "Micchami Dukkadam" or "Uttam Kshama" . It means "If I have caused you offence in any way, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought word or deed, then I seek your forgiveness". On Chimchery, they read ‘Kalpasutra’, it is very powerful. If we hear it for more than 21 years we can attain moksha. They listen and recitate Baktama sutra.
