Paryushan Mahaparv (Jain festival of spirituality) is from August 20–27. Paryushan means to dwell within oneself and to be close to the soul. This time is spent in dedicating one’s body and mind to spiritual sadhanas. Paryushan Mahaparv is a festival for all humanity.
Celebrating this festival opens one’s heart and brings one nearer to one’s soul. It is a festival which represents a unique form of celebration. Chanting, meditation, penance, contemplation and devotion are the key features. This festival frees the soul from layers of karma.
The last day of this festival is Kshamayavani—the day of forgiveness. On this day, each person seeks forgiveness from others saying ‘Micchami Dukkadam’—if I have hurt you in thought, word or deed, I ask for your forgiveness. This tradition builds an environment of harmony and equanimity.
One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, air, fire and vegetation disregards his own existence which is entwined with them. – Mahavira
Mahavira was an Indian religious reformer and spiritual leader. He was the twenty fourth and final Tirthankara (supreme leader) of this age in Jainism. He lived during the early sixth or fifth century BCE. He abandoned all his worldly possessions and at the age of thirty, he practiced intense meditation and severe austerities for twelve and a half years. He then attained moksha after preaching for thirty years.
He is venerated for his teachings. Mahavir is remembered for his teachings on Ahimsa. He considered ahimsa, the supreme, moral virtue. He taught that Ahimsa covers all living beings, and injuring any being in any form creates karma.
The soul’s unchanging essence
He taught attainment of Samyak darshan or self-realization through the practice of positioning oneself as a pure soul, separate from the body, mind and emotions. Also, one must understand the soul’s true nature, and remain grounded in the soul’s unchanging essence, during auspicious, inauspicious external circumstances. He also preached that observance of the vows of ahimsa (nonviolence), brahmacharya (chastity), asteya (non-stealing), satya (truth) and apigraha (non-attachment) were necessary for spiritual liberation.
Dear ones, if we are brave enough, we can observe Micchami Dukkadam and it will morally rejuvenate us.
Aim Hrim Klim