In this second part, prominent Jains share how their annual festival transforms lives through fasting, reflection, and forgiveness.
An opportunity to recharge our spiritual batteries
~ Dilip V. Shah
I have lived with my wife Sarla in Philadelphia since 1972. Our temple, established in 1990 is in Cherry Hill, NJ, about 20 minutes from my home. Our Sangh is a Tri-state Sangh serving about 500 families in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The Sangh celebrates Paryushan very piously, in line with tradition, and extremely joyfully. Every day during Paryushan, we arrange a morning Pakshal Puja, Snatra Puja, followed by a religious lecture by an invited scholar from India, lunch for those not fasting that day, and Pratikraman at the end of the day.
We have meticulously followed the daily routine for almost 35 years, but now I am 80 years old. A daily commute to the temple is not a viable option. We will certainly go to the temple on the day of Swapna Darshan and Mahavir Janam Vanchan and once or twice during Paryushan. But for the most part, we will seek refuge on our desktop and listen daily to lectures by renowned Jain scholars from India via Zoom.
Paryushan is an opportunity to recharge our spiritual batteries. Due to our advanced age, we no longer undertake any form of fasts but refrain from green vegetables, root vegetables especially, and avoid meals after sundown. On the last day of the Paryushan, Samvatsari, the day of forgiveness, is considered the most pious day of the year, and we will follow online Pratikraman offered by Pandit Jitendra Shah of Ahmedabad that is broadcast nationally by JAINA, our national organization. We will call our elders, relatives, friends, and neighbors and seek forgiveness for any hurt we may have caused them knowingly or unknowingly.
Dilip V Shah is a Past President of JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations in North America)
Teaches us the value of self-control and reflection
~ R.P. Jain
During the eight days of Paryushan, we observe specific dietary restrictions, such as avoiding green vegetables and fruits, with our meals primarily consisting of various lentils. Our community gathers at the nearest temples, such as the one in Roop Nagar, Delhi, and our ancestral temple, Shri Chintamani Parshwnath, in Haridwar. These gatherings feature a variety of pujas, and Jain sadhus conduct spiritual kathas (stories) and pravachans (lectures).
Paryushan teaches us the importance of self-control and inward reflection. It is a form of tapasya, a spiritually rewarding inner journey.
Rajendra Prakash Jain co-runs the 125-year-old Motilal Banarsidass publishing house with his brothers. He has written books on leading a saatvic lifestyle, including ‘The Yoga of Inner Nourishment’
Community events reinforce spiritual commitment
~ Anu Jain
Jai Jinendra to all Lotus readers! Paryushan is one of the most important and spiritually significant festivals in Jainism, and it is observed by Jains worldwide. The term ‘Paryushan’ signifies the festival’s purpose of drawing closer to the self and purifying the soul. The festival aims to help individuals overcome past mistakes and realign themselves with Jain principles, particularly the core values of non-violence , truthfulness, and compassion.
During Paryushan, we make it a point to visit the derasar (Jain temple) in the morning and evening for all eight days to perform puja.
After the puja, we listen to pravachan (sermons) from Jain sadhus or sadhvis, and participate in the arati and mangal divo (ceremonial lights). Many of my family members fast, some for all the eight days and others fast on alternate days.
The final day of Paryushan, known as Samvatsari, is particularly significant. On this day, most Jains fast and come together as a community for a long prayer called Samvatsari Pratikraman, which usually takes 3 hours. During the Pratikraman, we all seek pardon from all living beings, for mistakes we have made in the year gone by, knowingly or unknowingly.
Community events, including lectures, discussions, and gatherings, are often held during Paryushan to share experiences and reinforce spiritual commitments. These events foster a sense of unity and collective purpose, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of Jain teachings and strengthen their spiritual practice. The festival also allows families and communities to come together, celebrate their shared beliefs, and support one another in their spiritual journeys. Paryushan reinforces the values of peace, understanding, and harmony central to Jainism through these communal efforts.
Anu Jain is a Trustee of the Jain Center of America and a real estate broker.
Fasting is central to Paryushan
~ Mahesh Wadher
Paryushan is a deeply meaningful time for our family, dedicated to spiritual reflection and renewal. We prepare by focusing on prayer, meditation, and scriptural study, particularly the Jain Agamas, and practice the Pratikraman Sutra to seek forgiveness for our actions.
Fasting plays a central role, with each of us participating according to our capacity, emphasizing self-discipline and detachment. The principles of forgiveness, non-violence, and humility are at the heart of our observance, especially on Samvatsari, when we ask for and grant forgiveness to strengthen our bonds and foster peace.
This period renews our commitment to living with compassion, mindfulness, and purity.
Mahesh Wadher is an entrepreneur and philanthropist dedicated to advancing health, education, and cultural initiatives in the Jain community in America.
Annual spring cleaning of the heart
~ Bijal Maroo
It is vital to withdraw from the world occasionally and explore the world within us. The eight-day Paryushan festival provides an opportunity for self-examination and introspection. It is not just about observing a fast, though I bow down respectfully to all those who can observe such rigorous fasts, some of them abstaining from taking a single drop of water throughout the eight days.
Fasting or subsisting on simple meals has two benefits. First, it stops us from indulging our senses, especially our taste buds, which helps us withdraw from the world. Second, it frees up time that we squander on mundane tasks and allows us to turn our gaze inwards.
It was a tradition set in motion by the last of the 24 Tirthankaras, Mahavir Swami. During the monsoon season, Jain monks and nuns stay in one location instead of following the itinerant lifestyle they follow otherwise. This is done to minimize any disturbance and destruction while nature rejuvenates, and many species of animals, birds, and insects mate before or during the wet spell. Thus, they can give regular discourses to the Jain community and assist and enrich the journey inward.
To me, Paryushan is an annual spring cleaning of the heart. After a thorough vacuum to suck out all impurities on the final day, which is Samvatsari (forgiveness day), I experience the freshness of love and peace bursting forth from my heart. On the ninth day, also called Chath, having asked for atonement from the Creator, we bow down and ask forgiveness of all our friends and family whom we may have hurt in any way. Asking for forgiveness in this manner is a wonderful way of overcoming the ego.
Dr. Bijal Maroo, a Homeopathic consultant and writer for Lotus, reflects on life through her poetry and music.
1 comment
Paryushan Parva offers me an opportunity to enhance my understanding and experiencing Jain path of purification and staying happy by spending more time in the temple worshipping, listening to the lectures by sadhus and sadhvis, study the texts and avoid activities involving transgressions from the path. A truly self enlightening opportunity annually by seeking forgiveness and enhance self restraint (sangam) by limiting variety and quantity of food intakes and donating for spiritual and education purposes and offering my knowledge and experiences to others.