Modern Approach to Paryushan and Das Laxana by Dr. Surendra Singhvi

Dr. Surendra Singh Singhvi

Dr. Surendra Singh Singhvi is one of the prominent personalities. He was closely associated with Acharya Sushil muniji and Gurudev Chitrabhanu and established the first Jain Center of America in New York in 1976. He also started Jain Centers in Cincinnati and St. Louis. He also has been heavily involved in providing Jain education at the University level. He has served on various JAINA committees.

(Editor’s Note: Two things come to mind when we think about Paryushan and Das Laxana – Asking for Forgiveness and doing tap such as Atthai. Many of us would like to be able to do such tap but for various reasons we are not able to. Realizing this situation, Surendra ji provides us with a few alternatives where the goal is to achieve control over our senses by following some restraints during these pious days and doing some noble activities We hope this helps you to celebrate these important festivals more meaningfully.)

Let us redefine Athhai as practicing one or more vows for 8 or 10 days since fasting for all 8 or 10 days is difficult for youth, seniors, and college students. At least one of the alternatives listed below can be followed by most people.

1) Observe Ekasana - eat once a day before sunset and eat only Jain food - no root vegetables or greens And if possible, avoid dairy.

2) Observe Samayik and Swadhyay for one hour every day during the festival. Read spiritual books and journals such as Jinvani, Jain Avenue and Jain Digest.

3) Minimize or eliminate addictions such as tobacco, gutka, liquor or illegal drugs.

4) On the last day, try to do Upvaas and perform English Pratikraman with focus on the meaning of what is being said. Ask forgiveness from any one whose feelings you may have hurt; knowingly or unknowingly. Don’t limit this to only Jains; think of all the people that you know.

5) Donate money to good causes and do volunteer work at temples, hospitals, schools, etc.

6) Listen to religious discourses in person or on Zoom. JAINA provides a lot of lectures in English, Hindi and Gujarati.

7) Practice "Digital Fasting" - minimize use of Smartphone, TV, and Social Media

8) Practice Ahimsa by minimizing use of water and electricity.

9) Minimize use of flowers - donate books when visiting a patient in hospital or attending parties, weddings, engagements, graduation, etc.

10) Minimize parigrah - minimize shopping for items. If you buy one shirt, donate one shirt as well.

11) Follow Anekantvad and avoid arguments. Appreciate other person’s viewpoint.

12) Be aware of your thoughts and control passions such as anger, ego, deceit, and greed.