Kshmapana...................................Michchhami Dukkadam

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Kshmapana

It is at this time 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.

 

Michchhami means to be fruitless (forgiven) and

Dukkadam (Dushkrut) means bad deeds. Therefore the

meaning of Michchhami Dukkadam is my bad deeds (with

you) be fruitless. So concept behind saying or writing

someone " Michchhami Dukkadam " is that if I have done

any harm to you then those bad deeds to be forgiven

(be fruitless).

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 (from the bottom of my

heart without any reservation) all living beings (who

may have caused me any pain and suffering either in

this life or previous lives), and I beg (again from

the bottom of my heart without any reservation) for

the forgiveness from all living beings (no matter how

small or big to whom I may have caused pain and

suffering in this life or previous lives, knowingly or

unknowingly, mentally, verbally or physically, or if I

have asked or encouraged someone else to carry out

such activities). (Let all creatures know that) I have

a friendship with everybody and I have no revenge

(animosity or enmity) toward anybody

 

To ALL " Michchhami Dukkadam "

 

Love is the beauty of the soul

 

 

 

 

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