PARYUSANA Meaning and
Definition
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Paryusana is a significant religious festival celebrated by Jains, one of the oldest religions in the world. This term originates from the Sanskrit language, where "par" means all, and "yusana" refers to the spiritual act of purifying oneself. The word often translates to "the festival of purification" or "the festival of holy self-discipline" in English.
Lasting for a period of eight or ten days, Paryusana is a time for Jains to engage in intensive spiritual practices, such as meditation, fasting, and reading religious texts, in order to purify their souls and seek forgiveness for past wrongdoings. During this festival, Jains reflect upon important teachings, primarily emphasizing non-violence, truth, and non-attachment.
One of the key aspects of Paryusana is the practice of seeking forgiveness and granting forgiveness to others. Jains sincerely apologize for any harm they may have caused to others intentionally or unintentionally, both in words and actions. Additionally, they forgive those who have wronged them and aim to eliminate any animosity or resentment that may reside within their hearts.
Paryusana is a time of deep introspection and self-improvement for Jains, as they strive to better themselves morally and spiritually. It is an opportunity for inner reflection, self-restraint, and engaging in acts of charity and kindness towards all living beings. Through this festival of purification, Jains seek to attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Etymology of PARYUSANA
The word "Paryusana" is derived from Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language. In Sanskrit, the word is composed of two parts: "paryu" and "sana". "Paryu" means "all-around" or "complete", while "sana" refers to "to observe" or "to keep". Hence, "Paryusana" can be translated as "to observe complete".
In Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, Paryusana refers to one of the most important annual festivals. It is a time for self-reflection, fasting, and seeking forgiveness. The festival lasts for eight days, during which Jain followers engage in various rituals, recitations, and spiritual practices to purify their souls and deepen their understanding of Jain teachings.
