The Jain festival of Paryushan Parva, culminating in Bhagavati Samvatsari, emphasizes the practice of kshamapana, or forgiveness. This tradition, as explained by Acharya Mahashraman, the eleventh acharya of the Jain Śvetāmbara Terapanth sect, holds immense significance in promoting internal peace, fostering friendship, and purifying the soul.

The Power of Forgiveness: A Journey from Joy to Fearlessness

Acharya Mahashraman asserts that kshamapana leads to a profound transformation in an individual’s being. He outlines four key outcomes of practicing forgiveness:

Internal Happiness:

Forgiveness liberates the soul from the chains of anger and resentment, bringing about a sense of inner peace and joy. The act of letting go of negative emotions allows one to experience a lightness and serenity that was previously overshadowed by bitterness.

Establishment of Friendship:

Forgiveness opens the door to harmonious relationships, paving the way for genuine friendship. When individuals let go of grudges and ill will, they create a space for understanding and empathy to flourish, fostering a spirit of unity and interconnectedness.

Purity of Emotions:

By embracing forgiveness, we purify our emotions. Resentment and anger cloud our judgment, creating an imbalance within us. Forgiveness helps to clear the mental clutter, leading to a state of emotional clarity and stability.

Fearlessness:

Forgiveness ultimately leads to fearlessness. When we release the grip of anger and hatred, we become free from the anxieties and insecurities that arise from holding onto negativity. The practice of forgiveness empowers us to face life’s challenges with courage and confidence.

The Metaphor of Fire and Grass: Understanding Forgiveness

To illustrate the transformative power of forgiveness, Acharya Mahashraman uses the metaphor of fire and grass: “क्षमा खड्गः करे यस्य, दुर्जनः किं करिष्यति? अतृणे पतितो वह्निः, स्वयमेवोपशाम्यति॥” (He who wields the sword of forgiveness cannot be harmed by even the most wicked. Just as a fire that falls on grassless ground extinguishes itself, so does the fire of anger die down in the presence of forgiveness).

The fire represents anger, while the grass symbolizes the fuel that keeps it burning. When we forgive, we effectively remove the fuel, causing the fire of anger to dissipate and die down. This metaphorical illustration highlights the power of forgiveness to extinguish negativity, fostering a state of peace and resilience.

A Mantra of Forgiveness: The Essence of Samvatsari

The Jain tradition emphasizes the importance of expressing forgiveness not just internally, but also through external acts. The mantra “खामेमि सव्व जीवे, सव्वे जीवा खमंतु मे, मित्ती मे सव्वे भूएसु, वेरं मज्झं न केणई।” (I forgive all living beings, and may all living beings forgive me. I hold friendship towards all creatures. I harbour no enmity towards anyone) captures the essence of kshamapana day, emphasizing the importance of seeking and offering forgiveness to all.

The kshamapana practice is deeply rooted in the Jain belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings. This understanding compels individuals to extend forgiveness and compassion, creating a ripple effect of positive energy.

The Knots of Bitterness: Unraveling with Forgiveness

Acharya Mahashraman likens the accumulation of negative emotions to knots in our hearts. He encourages individuals to consciously untie these knots during Paryushan Parva, releasing the bitterness and resentment that may have accumulated over the year. Forgiveness, he explains, acts like a spiritual cleansing, purifying the soul and clearing the mind.

The Significance of Samvatsari: A Time for Spiritual Renewal

Samvatsari marks the culmination of Paryushan Parva and presents a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal. The festival embodies the spirit of forgiveness, creating a sacred space where individuals can reflect upon their actions and seek reconciliation with themselves and others. By embracing the spirit of forgiveness on Samvatsari, individuals can embark on a journey of personal growth and transformation.

Beyond Internal Forgiveness: Seeking Forgiveness in Actions

While internal forgiveness is crucial, Acharya Mahashraman emphasizes the importance of external expression. He encourages individuals to seek forgiveness directly from those they have wronged. This practical expression of forgiveness deepens the process of reconciliation, paving the way for true healing and renewal.

The Universal Message of Forgiveness: Embracing Harmony

Forgiveness, according to Acharya Mahashraman, holds the potential to bridge divisions and bring about harmony in society. By applying the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world as one family), individuals can cultivate a spirit of understanding and tolerance, fostering a sense of community and collective responsibility.

Takeaways:

• Forgiveness, the core of Paryushan Parva, brings about a transformation within oneself, leading to internal happiness, strengthened friendships, purity of emotions, and ultimate fearlessness.
• Forgiveness is a powerful force for good, likened to a fire extinguishing itself by removing its fuel – the negative emotions.
• Samvatsari serves as an opportunity for individuals to release the knots of negativity, purify their soul, and seek reconciliation with others.
• Seeking forgiveness from those we have wronged is as essential as internal forgiveness, furthering the process of reconciliation.
• Forgiveness resonates with the universal message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, encouraging harmony and understanding across all societies and cultures.