Jainism Expanded Observance: Paryushana Parva
Paryushana means to stay closer to our own soul from all directions and to stay absorbed in our own-self (soul). Paryushana Parva, an eight day long period of spiritual observation, is the most important festival in the Jain religion, which usually falls during the months of August and September.
Paryushana is meant for renunciation, austerities, study of the scriptures, recitation of holy hymns, meditation and expression of devotion for the Tirthankars. Paryushana Parva is a period of repentance for the undesirable acts of the previous year and a period of observation of austerities to shed accumulated karma.
During Paryushana there are regular ceremonies in the temples and meditation halls during this time. During the first three days of Paryushana the Sadhus and Sadhvis give sermons related to five essential activities that Jains are required to do during Paryushana. These five essential activities are: leading a non-violent life and working towards a non-violent world; respecting fellow beings who follow the Jain philosophy; observing a fast for three consecutive days; going to different Jain temples in groups and forgiving and asking for forgiveness. In the Shvetambar tradition, the Kalpa Sutra, a scripture that includes a detailed account of Bhagawan Mahavir’s life, is read to the congregation from the fourth through the last day of Paryushana. On the fourth day a special reverence is given to the Kalpa Sutra. On the fifth day the auspicious dreams of Bhagwan Mahavir’s mother Trishala are celebrated at a special ceremony.
The final day of Paryushana, known as Samvatsari, is the most important day of Paryushana. This is the day when Jains ask for forgiveness from family, friends, and enemies and, especially from those with whom they have had a problem and hard feelings, for hurting them in any way either knowingly or unknowingly during the year. Jain scriptures advise that forgiveness for all and not harboring ill will towards anyone is regarded as a definite step forward in the spiritual journey to Moksha. And hence, the annual day for repentance and forgiveness is the most important day in Jain tradition. While meditating and purifying one’s self during these eight days of Paryushana you realize yourself in its true sense. We call the Festival of Paryushana the Festival of the Soul because when we forgive we become one with the light of our soul.
