THE JAINS SAY "MICHCHHAMI DUKKADAM"

                                            

MICHCHHAMI DUKKADAM

(PRATIKRAMAN FOR EVERY ACT OF ATIKRAMAN...) 

This is an ancient Prakrit phrase now a part of Jain philosophy and way of life. It's Sanskrit equivalent is "Mithya me duskrtam" . It is said to convey, " If I have put you to any harm by thoughts ,deeds or words , I seek your forgiveness.."

Emphasis on forgiveness is one of the key aspects of Jaina philosophy and conduct. To arrive at a fair meaning of this phrase, we need to understand Kraman, Atikraman, Pratikraman concepts of Jaina scriptures .

Atikraman implies our aggression towards other living beings through thoughts, speech and action. Kraman implies our neutral actions; actions that do not have any good or bad implications. The Jaina philosophy believes in performing Pratikraman for the Atikraman that was done. Pratikraman is a ritual during which Jains perform prayaschit ( repentance ) for such acts ( committed knowingly or inadvertently during their daily life through thought, speech or action) as have hurt others. Samvatsari is the day which is celebrated by the Jain community people to seek forgiveness from all living beings for sins and faults they may have made, whether deliberately or unknowingly. They also forgive other people on this day who have done anything wrong to them.On the day of this festival, people give donation, do charity and distribute food to the needy people. They even feed the cows, dogs and other animals. They practice the compassion by doing all these things.

Jain people say 'Michhami Dukkadam' to their friends and family members on Samvatsari day.

 And non-violence is the foundation of Jaina way of life. In fact every Jaina ascetic is required to take five major vows and abide by them These vows are :-

Ahimsa (Non-violence)

Satya (Truth)

Asteya (Non-stealing)

Brahmacharya (Chastity)

Aparigraha(Non-possession)

And Lord Mahavira or Vardhamana said this :

"If you cannot tolerate infliction of pain on your body or mind by others' through their words or actions, what right have you to do the same to others through your words and deeds?Do unto others as you would like to be done to you . Injury or violence done by you to any life in any form, animal or human, is as harmful as it would be if caused to your own self."

(Avtar Mota)

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