Restraint & Forgiveness

SUDHAMAHI REGUNATHAN





Ahimsa is at the core of all Jain thought and philosophy . It is not limited to human life, but extends to all that surrounds us. Jainas believe that even waterbodies and air are living entities. To minimise the violence they cause to such organisms, they have fashioned a lifestyle which includes covering their mouth when they speak, using only boiled water, sweeping the floor before they tread on it and so on.To maximise the elements of non-violence, they discovered that it is important to be an aparigrahi also. An aparigrahi is one who has given up his possessions. When it rains, monks and nuns do not go out in the rain for fear of harming organisms living in water. The four months of the rainy season, the chaturmas, are spent in one place. An ascetic is required to select his place of stay with the onset of the monsoon. If he is unable to identify a suitable place, he is given an allowance of up to 50 days after the onset of the rains. On the 50th day he has to set up camp wherever he is.This day is known as Samvatsari. Samvatsarik or Samvatsari means every year on this day the festival of Paryushana is celebrated.Paryushana highlights the message that all living beings share a similar desire to live. It is a mark of respect to them and the earth. In terms of ascetic practice, this period marks a period of contemplation and inner journey .