खमत-खामणा

Summary

The text discusses Jainism, its traditions, and the significance of its major festivals, particularly Paryushan. It begins by referencing a revolutionary figure who opposed casteism and slavery, leading to the liberation of many women and the elevation of Scheduled Caste individuals to revered monks. The four main Jain festivals are Akshaya Tritiya, Paryushan and Daslakshana, Mahavir Jayanti, and Mahavir Nirvan Diwali. Paryushan, also called Samvatsari, is considered the supreme festival, traditionally observed on Bhadrapad Shukla Panchami. While Kalakacharya once shifted it to Chaturthi under special circumstances, efforts have been made to unify the date, with meetings in Udaipur and Mumbai deciding on Panchami. The text highlights the importance of forgiveness (Kshamapana) during Paryushan, citing Acharya Tulsi's reflections. It notes the two main Jain traditions: Digambara, which observes Daslakshana, and Shvetambara, which observes Paryushan, both culminating or beginning on Panchami. During the eight days of Paryushan, Jains abstain from worldly activities, engage in penance, meditation, and study, with some areas seeing complete business closures. The ninth day is celebrated as a festival of friendship, involving introspection and forgiveness. The text addresses the diversity within Jain sects, which can cause confusion, and questions whether unity can be achieved through Paryushan. It proposes a new nine-dimensional Jain lifestyle to address modern challenges like consumerism, loss of identity, and declining values. These dimensions include right faith, non-absolutism, non-violence, ascetic culture, desire limitation, right livelihood, right values, dietary purity, and fraternal affection. The text suggests using Paryushan as a time to practice and train in this lifestyle, offering a solution to contemporary problems and cultural distortions.