Why do Jains listen to Paryushan Pravachan?

Paryushan is the time for Prabhu darshan and Guru darshan and do Satsang. Listening to Guruvani (discourses from Guru / revered saints) leads to self-purification, cleansing our thoughts, enhancing knowledge and treading on the path of truth. When our ignorance diminishes, our connection with sansar (worldly affairs) decreases. We should listen to pravachans, attain knowledge and do guru-darshan. As we do guru-darshan we should pledge to do 5 abhigams. During Parvadhiraj Paryushan Mahaparva, one must practice five set of rules while going for Guru Darshan which are called Abhigams:

1. Refrain from the usage of sachet items (objects that have life),
2. Have a discipline in use of achet items (being careful while using inanimate objects),
3. Wear a muhpatti (a mask to cover the mouth),
4. Concentrate the mind, and
5. Sit with folded hands in anjalikaran in front of the Guru

Even if we cannot be physically present in a spiritual premise, whenever we listen to Live discourses online too, we must sit with joined hands and absorb the essence of Prabhu’s knowledge with utmost reverence. We should also indulge in reading spiritual texts, read books on discourses or listen to LIVE Vyakhyan online (discourses) during Paryushan and do Satsang.

Paryushan Parv – the 8-day Jain Festival of Forgiveness is an occasion to eliminate the impurities that pollute the soul – such as anger, ego, greed, jealousy, deceit, attachment, hatred and much more. It is a period of emotional cleansing and becoming light and relaxed from within.

From a karmic perspective, it is said that during these 8 days, the magnetic frequencies in the entire universe are the highest. As a result, the soul vibrates the most and may even bind the karmas that determine his next birth. And therefore, Jains observe maximum sadhanas, spiritual practices, penance and fasting during these days to make the most of this auspicious period.

Param Gurudev Shree Namramuni Maharaj Saheb profoundly enlists a detailed list of Do’s and Don’ts of what should be done and what we should refrain from doing during these divine days of Paryushan. During these Paryushan days, Jains make an effort to realize, repent and seek forgiveness for mistakes made during the entire year by performing Pratikraman, Alochana fasting, taking small Pachkhan vows, etc. The last day of Paryushan, known as Samvatsari, is the day when everyone performs the annual practice of Samvatsari Pratikraman and says sorry or ‘Michhami Dukadam’ to every living of the universe for having hurt them knowingly or unknowingly through their mind, body and speech.