Celebrating the Paryusana festival inside a Jain temple at the Jain Center of America, New York City, USA. Photo by Aayush18 via Wikicommons.
Paryushana (also known as Das Lakshana or Pajjosavana) is one of the most important holy Jain festivals. During a period of 8 or 10 days (the festival is celebrated differently by different followers of Jainism), Jains meditate, pray, and fast to come closer to the spiritual qualities of their souls. It began on August 19 this year.
Observing the holy time includes honest self-reflection and requesting forgiveness for all offenses committed over the last year, as well as forgiving others who have offended. The festival culminates in Kshamavani, or Forgiveness Day. During the festival, special meditation and attention are given to the righteous virtues of forbearance, modesty, straightforwardness, truth, restraint, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment, and celibacy.
Explore our Cooperation Circles, many of whom are celebrating Paryushana with their Jain friends.
