Source

September 1, 2003: Prakash Mody of Canada (“source” above) sent us this description of an admirable Jain custom.



“It is at this time, Kshmapana (which falls on August 31, September 1 or September 10, depending on the specific tradition), that Jains embark on their respective annual pratikramana, a reflection on their spiritual journey for the past year. On this day they also observe a unique custom, where they ask every individual they may have offended during the year for forgiveness. Old differences are forgotten and friendships and relationships renewed, as they fold their hands and ask for ‘Micchami dukadam’ or forgiveness. The following is the prayer we say while doing Pratikraman: ‘Khamemi savve jive, savve jiva khamantu me, metti me savve bhuyesu, veram majaham n kenai.’ It means: ‘I forgive all living beings, and I beg for the forgiveness from all living beings. I have a friendship with everybody and I have no animosity toward anybody.’ “

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