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Spiritual
Practices and Religious Holidays
Spiritual practices and religious holidays
are observed by celebrating the lives of tirthankar (Jinas), reciting
sacred texts, holding religious discourses, taking certain vows to
control senses, giving alms and realizing other act of compassion.
Annual holidays are observed based on the lunar calendar (354 days
in a year). The most important religious holidays are:
- Mahavir Jayanti (Janma Kalyanak):
the birthday celebration of Lord Mahavir in April.
- Paryushan: An annual eight-day celebration
by the Swetambar sect in August-September.
- Das Lakshan: An annual ten-day celebration
by Digambar sect in August-September.
Both Paryushan and Das Lakshan celebrations
conclude with a period of self-reflection, granting forgiveness to
others, and requesting forgiveness from others for any pain that may
have been caused intentionally or unintentionally. There are also
other annual days that are called annual parvas like Jnanapanchami,
Maun Ekadashi (Agiyarasa), Paush Dashami, Meru terasa (Trayodashi),
Chaitri Poonama, Akhatrija (Akshaya tritiya), Diwali (Dipawali) i.e.
Mahavira Nirvana.
Jainism advocates the performance of six essential daily observances
by its followers
Six essential observances of Swetamber tradition :
Samayik : To remain calm and undisturbed for 48 minutes (meditation).
Chauvisattho : To pray and appreciate the qualities of the twenty-four
Tirthankars
Vandana : Devotion and service to ascetics.
Pratikraman : To repent, reproach and reflect upon past wrong thoughts
and deeds.
Kayotsarg : Non-attachments to the body.
Pratyakhan or Pachchhakhan : Taking religious vows renouncing certain
activities for some time to discipline one's self.
Six essential Observances of Digambar-Tradition
| Devapuja |
Prayer to Tirthankars |
| Gurupasti |
Devotion and service to ascetics |
| Swadhyay |
Studying of Scriptures |
| Sayam |
Self restraint |
| Tap |
Penance |
| Dana |
Charity |
Swetamber tradition also adopts these six essentials.
Furthermore, some Jains observe certain practices that involve special
rituals, dietary restrictions and fasting to develop self-control and
detachment from worldly matters.
"I say with
conviction that the doctrine for which the name of Lord Mahavira
is glorified now-a-days is the doctrine of Ahimsa. If any one
has practiced to the fullest extent and propagated most the doctrine
of Ahimsa, it was Lord Mahavira."
-Mahatma Gandhi
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