Paryushan those eigth days of the year where Jains are trying to follow a simple life.
We dont eat kand mood, green vegetables, outside food. Rather many of us fast in various forms.
Do Puja, Pratikaman, hear religious speeches by learned speakers.
But from spiritual perspective what is onething different you try to do that you dont do in your routine life. Maybe just not use negative words or or may be have only positive thoughts or may be follow maun varth 2-3 hours a day, whatever.
Me being not so religious finds it difficult to restrict food. But for sure would like to focus more on spirituality.
This is neither an offense to anyone nor personal. I respect everyone’s thoughts and beliefs.
Sneha, every year during paryushan I try to understand the meaning of any of the bhakti/ stavan that I know. Last year I pondered on the 12 bhavnas. This year I am busier then usual- so like you said, the intention was to be calmer and practice ‘sam bhav’ i.e. not be happy with something good and not be angry/ sad when something bad happens. More like ” this too shall pass” 🙂
I think this is an excellent post. And something to think about.
“Apart from having control on food, what else can one do during Pajushan. ”
I dont consider myself to be a very religious person but I think its good that there is a “focussed” period during the year when one looks inward and makes an attempt to improve himself in various ways. I try to stay in positive thoughts and advice others as well as myself to try to control their anger. 🙂 (easier said than done with 2 kids around).
I also think its a good tradition that folks get a chance to ask for forgiveness from everyone at end of Pajushan. However this act of asking for forgiveness should come from the heart and not be on the surface only. Also folks should continue the control on their anger well after Pajushan also. 🙂
One of Dimple’s friends was toying around with “e-upvaas” during Pajushan. i.e., Tyaag of internet during Pajushan. Not a bad idea. 🙂
Me already did Tyaag of Internet for 3 weeks during my visit to India in July (except for a brief 15 min period to send some urgent email) 🙂
In last night’s lecture on the meaning of ‘Pratikraman’ samniji had an interesting piece on ‘tyaag’. It should not be something that we don’t do because we don’t have it – but something from the heart which we willing give away, despite it is available to us!