पर्युषण : सहअस्तित्व, समभाव और विकास का पर्व

Summary

Paryushan Parva is an annual spiritual festival observed by Jains, traditionally spanning eight days of austerity, meditation, self-study, and restraint. It is described as a ritual to ignite the inner lamp of the soul, guiding an individual toward self-realization. The Shwetambar tradition celebrates Paryushan first, followed by the Digambar tradition, where it is known as Das Lakshan Parva, focusing on ten virtues such as forgiveness, humility, honesty, and restraint. The festival is not merely a ritual but an experiment in personal transformation, urging individuals to introspect and initiate change. It is considered a time to remove inner impurities and barriers that obstruct spiritual growth, likened to peeling away layers covering the soul. The Terapanth Sangh has introduced a tradition of celebrating Vikas Mahotsav after the Kshamayachana (Maitry Divas) festival following Paryushan, emphasizing real development. The festival encourages self-examination rather than judging others, promoting the practice of principles in daily life. It aims at subduing passions (kashayas), which are seen as unnatural distortions of the soul, and advocates for deep restraint of senses and emotions. Paryushan is not about external festivities but about inner purification, moving from material focus to soul-centered living. It is also a festival of forgiveness, where individuals seek and grant forgiveness to resolve conflicts and lighten karmic burdens. The festival provides an opportunity for self-observation, reviewing the past year’s gains and losses, and making resolutions to avoid past mistakes. Through rituals like Pratikraman, practitioners engage in introspection and self-evaluation, aiming for spiritual ascent. The text emphasizes that the true purpose of Paryushan is achieved when it is celebrated with vitality and sincerity, leading to a meaningful life.