Six Avashyakas (Essential Duties in Jainism)

Avashyaka means essential/compulsory in the Sanskrit language. Jainism prescribes Six Avashyakas (षट्-आवश्यकानि) as daily essential duties that every Jain should follow. Jain Aagama Avashyaka Sutra and Uttaradhyana Sutra prescribe this as essentials for everyone.  These are spiritual, ethical, and disciplinary practices that help in self-purification, spiritual progress, and ultimate liberation (Moksha).

These Six Avashyakas are:

1. Samayika (Equanimity & Meditation)
2. Chaturvimshati Stava (Worship of 24 Tirthankaras)
3. Vandana (Respect to Gurus/Teachers)
4. Pratikramana (Repentance & Reflection on Past Actions)
5. Kayotsarga (Body Abandonment & Meditation)
6. Pratyakhyana (Renunciation & Vows for Self-Control)

Each Avashyaka has its significance in daily spiritual discipline, aiding in overcoming Karmic bondage and progressing toward liberation.

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1. Samayika (Equanimity & Meditation)

Meaning:

• "Samayika" means attaining a state of equanimity where one remains detached from worldly affairs and focuses on the pure soul.
• It is a practice of self-awareness, neutrality, and spiritual reflection.

Practice:

• Jain ascetics are always in Samayika whereas laymen and women practice it when they wish to do. 
• One sits in a meditative posture, mentally withdrawing from external distractions.
• The threefold purity (mind, speech, and body) is maintained.
• It is ideally done three times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening) for 48 minutes each session. However, there is no specific mention. One can practice this Avashyaka at any time and as many times as he or she wishes. 

Significance:

• Eliminates anger, ego, deceit, and greed.
• Enhances self-discipline, concentration, and inner peace.
• Helps in overcoming Rag-Dvesh (attachment-aversion).
• Samayika is the foundation of Jain conduct.

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2. Chaturvimshati Stava (Worship of the 24 Tirthankaras)

Meaning:

• This refers to glorifying the 24 Tirthankaras by reciting their attributes and virtues.
• It is a form of devotion and gratitude toward the enlightened beings who showed the path to liberation.

Practice:

• One recites praises (Stutis) of the 24 Tirthankaras and remembers their qualities.
• The main chant is "Logassa Ujjoyagare" or "Chaturvimshati Stava" among Shwetambara..
• Some also perform idol worship (Murtipuja) in Jain temples.

Significance:

• The praise of a supremely virtuous being generates a love for virtues, which inspires the soul to progress toward becoming virtuous itself.
• Develops humility and devotion by surrendering to the ideals of Tirthankaras.
• Purifies the mind and removes negativity.
• Inspires moral and ethical living by following the virtues of Tirthankaras.

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3. Vandana (Respect to Gurus/Teachers)

Meaning:

• Vandana means bowing down to Jain ascetics (Sadhu-Sadhvis) and teachers with deep reverence.
• It symbolizes humility, gratitude, and seeking spiritual guidance.

Practice:

• One bows before a Guru/Sadhu, touching their feet or offering Namaskara.
• If a Guru is not physically present, one mentally salutes all the Jain ascetics.

Significance:

• Dissolves ego and develops humility.
• One gains spiritual wisdom by seeking guidance from learned saints.
• Strengthens one's commitment to righteous living.

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4. Pratikramana (Repentance & Reflection on Past Actions)

Meaning:

• "Pratikramana" means "to turn back" or "introspection on past deeds."
• It is an act of self-reflection and repentance for any wrongdoings committed knowingly or unknowingly.

Practice:

• Daily Pratikramana is performed in the evening to review the day's actions, and in the morning for the night's misdeeds.
• Pakshika Pratikramana is performed on every Chaturdashi and Chaturmasik Pratikramana thrice in a year (4 monthly). 
• Annual Pratikramana (Samvatsari) is done on Paryushan Parva, seeking forgiveness from all beings.
• One recites "Micchami Dukkadam" (I seek forgiveness for my wrongdoings) to purify past karmas.

Significance:

• Helps in self-purification by repenting for sins and mistakes.
• Reduces new Karmic bondage.
• Develops compassion, forgiveness, and self-discipline.

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5. Kayotsarga (Body Abandonment & Meditation)

Meaning:

• "Kayotsarga" means abandoning the body and focusing on the soul.
• It is a state of absolute stillness, self-awareness, and detachment from the physical body.

Practice:

• One stands or sits motionless, speechless, meditating with complete self-awareness.
• The Namaskar Mahamantra/ Logassa is often recited while in this state.
• Jain ascetics perform long Kayotsarga as part of their spiritual practices.

Significance:

• Helps in self-purification and realization of the soul.
• Reduces attachment to the body and enhances spiritual detachment.
• Strengthens mental concentration and inner discipline.

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6. Pratyakhyana (Renunciation & Vows for Self-Control)

Meaning:

• "Pratyakhyana" means "to renounce" or "take vows for self-discipline."
• It involves giving up harmful activities, bad habits, or material attachments.

Practice:

• A person takes vows (Vratas) to renounce certain foods, behaviors, or actions.
• Jain ascetics practice Mahavrata (Great Vows), while laypeople practice Anuvrata (Lesser Vows).
• Vows can be temporary or lifelong, depending on spiritual progress.

Significance:

• Eliminates attachment and cravings.
• Strengthens self-control, simplicity, and discipline.
• Leads to higher purity and spiritual progress.

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Conclusion: Importance of Six Avashyakas

The Six Avashyakas are fundamental duties in Jainism that help in purifying the soul, reducing Karmic bondage, and progressing toward Moksha.

🔹 Samayika instills equanimity and inner peace.
🔹 Chaturvimshati Stava nurtures devotion and humility.
🔹 Vandana develops respect and gratitude.
🔹 Pratikramana promotes self-purification and forgiveness.
🔹 Kayotsarga leads to detachment from the body.
🔹 Pratyakhyana strengthens self-control and renunciation.

A person who diligently follows these Six Avashyakas cultivates spiritual wisdom, ethical purity, and ultimate liberation.

Exercise 

A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the main purpose of Samayika?
   a) To accumulate wealth
   b) To practice equanimity and self-discipline
   c) To seek forgiveness from others
   d) To worship Tirthankaras

2. Which Avashyaka involves reciting the qualities of the 24 Tirthankaras?
   a) Vandana
   b) Pratikramana
   c) Chaturvimshati Stava
   d) Kayotsarga

3. What does Pratikramana help a person achieve?
   a) Better physical strength
   b) Repentance and self-reflection on past actions
   c) Acquiring more material wealth
   d) Learning new languages

4. Which Avashyaka focuses on standing or sitting motionless in meditation?
   a) Pratyakhyana
   b) Kayotsarga
   c) Vandana
   d) Samayika

5. Pratyakhyana means:
   a) Renouncing bad habits and taking vows
   b) Bowing down to monks and teachers
   c) Meditating on the pure soul
   d) Asking for forgiveness from others

B. Fill in the Blanks

1. Samayika should ideally be practiced for _______ minutes per session.
2. Chaturvimshati Stava is a prayer dedicated to the _______ Tirthankaras.
3. _______ is performed to seek forgiveness for past mistakes and purify the soul.
4. The practice of standing still in deep meditation is called _______.
5. Pratyakhyana is the act of _______ certain activities or behaviors for self-discipline.

C. True or False

1. Pratikramana is done to increase wealth and prosperity. (True / False)
2. Vandana involves showing respect to Jain monks and teachers. (True / False)
3. Samayika helps in developing equanimity and self-control. (True / False)
4. Kayotsarga means abandoning the mind and focusing only on the body. (True / False)
5. Pratyakhyana involves taking vows to renounce negative habits. (True / False)

D. Short Answer Questions

1. What is the significance of practicing Samayika in Jainism?
2. How does Chaturvimshati Stava inspire a person to develop virtues?
3. Why is Pratikramana important in self-purification?
4. Explain the role of Vandana in spiritual progress.
5. How does Pratyakhyana help in self-discipline and renunciation?

E. Essay-Type Questions

1. Explain in detail the Six Avashyakas and their importance in a Jain’s daily life.
2. How does Pratikramana help in reducing Karmic bondage?
3. Discuss the practice of Kayotsarga and its benefits in spiritual progress.
4. Compare and contrast Samayika and Pratyakhyana in terms of self-discipline.
5. Why is Vandana considered an essential practice for developing humility and gratitude?

Thanks, 

Jyoti Kothari (Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is an adviser, Vardhaman Infotech, a leading IT company in Jaipur. He is also ISO 9000 professional)