The word Paryushan is derived from par-means- all kinds, and ushan-means-,to burn – hence to burn or shed all types of karmas, Jains celebrate these holy days by practicing renunciation, austerities, donation, meditation and scripture reading. In nutshell it is a holy festival of self introspection self enlightenment with a ultimate desire for salvation or moksha. Function is celebrated in Chaturmas or the four months of rainy season it is the only period for jain monks to settle in one place for a longer duration who otherwise are always on move, it is time for the householders- sharavak to have an annual renewal of the faith by listening to the sermons of the Dharma and by meditation and vratas (self-control). The real purpose of the Paryushan is to purify our soul by staying closer to our own soul from all ten directions and to stay absorbed in our own-self (soul), to look at our own faults, to ask for forgiveness for the mistakes we have committed, and take vows to minimize our faults. At least for these ten days We try to minimize our worldly comforts,needs of our body (like food) and our business so that we can concentrate on our-self and try to move toward self upliftment These ten days– one by one is dedicated to ten best characteristics of the soul called Ten universal virtues ( 10 components of the dharma): Uttam Kshamä (noble forgiveness), Uttam Märdav (Humility or gentleness), Uttam Ärjav (straightforwardness or uprightness), Uttam Shauch (content - absence of greed or purity), Uttam Satya (truth), Uttam Sanyam (restraint of all senses), Uttam Tapa (austerities), Uttam Tyäga (renunciation,charity), Uttam Äkinchan (non-possessiveness or lack of possession ) and Uttam Brahmachärya (celibacy or chastity) .From these ten virtues first three i.e uttam kshama ,uttam mardav and uttam arjav are called emotions and sentiments. Next five i.e uttam satya,uttam shauch, uttam sanyam, uttam tap and uttam tyaag are called solutions and remedies for these emotions and last two virtues i.e uttam aakinchan and uttam brahmacharya are called essence of ten supreme virtues The ten day celebration starts from uttam Kshamä (noble forgiveness),by asking forgiveness from all living begins including human beings.animals,birds,insects even from plants for any mistake committed by own self , knowingly or unknowingly, with the unity of the mind, speech body (man, vachan ,kaya) It also include bestowing forgiveness to all living beings for their deeds. And finally, let us talk about the simple satvik food which we are supposed to take in this holy period Satvik food is prepared with ingredients which cause least amount of violence. This type of food is said to have the qualities of filling the body and soul with the feelings of compassion, bliss spirituality and morality. This is a pure vegetarian food and it includes grains, lentils, fruits some vegetables and dry fruits.Most of jains doesn’t take onion, garlic and root vegetables . So specially these days one should take pious food which nourishes the body so that we can remain healthy and communicate more effectively with god and dedicate our self to the almighty as they say jaisa khaye anna ,waisa hoi man so, specially in these day jains are very particular about the food that they eat it should be simple satvik or pious food It should not contain even fresh vegetables and fruits. only dried pulses, lentils, dried spices ,dry fruits ,milk ,curd and pure desi ghee can be eaten. any chewable eatable after sun set is absolutely no-no. According to Jain scriptures, fasting is necessary for spiritual growth. It purifies the body and the mind and brings freshness and agility. Fasting does not mean – skipping the food .It is done with a clear goal – that of practicing an austerity to purify the body, to lessen karmic bondage, to attain spiritual growth - while skipping a meal, happens because one is having hectic day or has overeaten at the earlier meal. The feeling on days of upavas is one of power, resolve and spiritual growth, while the feeling on days when a meal is skipped is of deep hunger, exhaustion and so on. Though the acts are the same, different objectives produce profoundly different physical, psychological and spiritual outcomes. Hence the sages have ver clearly defined the types of fasting and the need to take on them in a pre-meditated approach. Happy paryushan parva & may god be with you always Jai Jenendra
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 19:28:14 +0000
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