Exposition Of Pratikramana Stotras

IntroductionThe pious Jaina householder is expected to perform following sixnecessary duties every day, these are:1. Sämäyika: Practice of unbroken meditative equanimity of thesoul. The word sämäyika is derived from sama, which means wellbalanced. The one who attains equanimity of mind is free fromattachment and aversion. It helps in cleansing and enhancing theconduct attribute (chäritra guna) by acquiring right faith andknowledge. The sämäyika vow is introductory stage to Jainareligious practice of abstinence.2. Chaturvimashati Stava: Eulogy to 24 Tirthankaras. It helps incleansing; enhancing and purifying the faith attribute (darshanaguna).3. Vandanaka: Veneration to an ascetic or the congregation ofmonks. It helps in cleansing and enhancing the knowledge attribute(jnäna guna).4. Pratikramana: Practice of confession and expiation(atonement) of the past misdeeds by recitation of sacred hymns.The word pratikramana means to proceed towards purity bygradually freeing oneself from the harmful activities. According tosome authority pratikramana is further classified into 5 differentkinds: a) freeing from the sin (äsavadärapadikkamana), b) gettingrid of ignorance (michchhättapadikamana), c) getting rid of fourpassions (kashäyapadikkamana), d) stepping out of improperthoughts, words and deeds (yogapadikkamane) and e) stepping outof the states of existence (bhävapadikkamane).There are 8 different steps in pratikramana, which a person goesthrough, these are:A. Pratikramana: To confessB. Praticharana: To practice restraint