So we have all heard about thanks giving day. But sorry telling day? Now that is something new, isn't it? Okay, I have to admit that there isn't particulary any day dedicated to apologies but come monsoon in India and Jains spread all over the country start preparing for this 8 day long festival- called Paryushan, which culminates in a very meaningful apology session attended collectively by entire jain community at the final day - called Samvtsari!! This year this festival falls between 8-15 september.
For starters, Jainism is said to be the oldest living religion and has its roots in India. It has around 5-6 million followers around the world. (ah, thats quite less comparing with 1+ billion population of india- not even 1%). But this religion has weathered all storms and its core fundamentals still today exist more or less in purest of the form. One of the fundamentals is ofcourse that of forgiving and that is the reason why this day is celebrated with much vigour across all the sects of jainism.
So what is so special about the day? Well its obvious that jains ask for pardon for any of their actions that would have caused agony in other's heart. But that is not it. They ask pardon from all the living beings.. humans, animals, plants and birds alike !! Even the smallest of the creatures like ant are not excluded and if you actually look at the ceremony (called Pratikraman) , you will be immensely surprised by the sheer importance that this religion gives to even the smallest form of life.
I remember from my childhood days, my friends commenting rather provocatively that jains were a clever lot. For the entire year they would do all sorts of wrong deeds and on samvtsari day they would come to you and would ask for pardon :). Hehe.. I wish it were so simple. But try once. Saying sorry from the bottom of your heart is never easy. Not even to those who are so close to you, forget about plants and animals!!
OK. So it is about time I signed off. But before that did I forget saying sorry? Hmmm let me do it in a rather traditional way. The actual lines go something like this...
Khamemi savve jive, (I forgive all the living beings)
Savve jiva khammatu me, ( May all living beings please forgive me)
Metti me savve bhuyeshu, (My friendship is with everyone)
Veram majaham na kenai. (My enmity is totally nonexistent)
Micha-Mi-Dukdam - May my ill deeds turn fruitless.
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8 comments:
nicely written bhavesh.. sorry and thanks :)
Good title & aechies & feelings can make a buisness out of this
It does take courage to say sorry, specially when we have to do it for no reason (or at least that's what we think). But once you do it, the feeling is... I can't describe it with any word. Let's just say it makes you feel lighter and happier. :) michhami dukkadam.
yes Kanan, very true.. doing it without reasonon a particular day is a little odd... but atleast we remember to apologise on that day and if one in million gets the essence of doing it then its all worth it... :)
what sort of business are we talking about here Mananbhai? :)
Thanks Chinmai.
I thought it was Sep8-15. Thats when it starts for us anyways. Maybe the time difference has something to do with it.
In any case, I do agree with you about asking for forgiveness. And even though all of us say Micchami Dukadam , I wonder how many of us have actually let go and forgiven from deep within....
Hey Kroopa, Yes it actually is between 8-15. I stand corrected !!
Yes agree. most of the time saying micha-mi-dukdam becomes ceremonious .. but still i think its a tradition worth pusueing.. who knows someone somewhere actually gets the gists... :)
oh i agree.. it is extremely difficult to apologise and mean it and more so let go of any ill-feelings u may have towards that person
Bhavesh, really nice way to explain and convey about our religion.
You have describe so well that i have no words to say anythg.....
Micha mi dukdam...
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