On Samvatsari Day of Paryushan Maha Parva, Param Pujya Bhaishree has shared the below handwritten message. Param Pujya Bhaishree has previously taken the subject of the 1st Sutra of the Jain scripture Panch Sutra, the First Hymn of Five Hymns. This scripture is recited by many Monks and householders around the world even today. One of the key messages within his sermon is Dushkrut Garha meaning that we must each repent sincerely for our countless transgressions. But what does it mean to repent with utmost sincerity? To repent is to curse our deluded state for all those instances in this birth and previous births when we have disrespected or disobeyed any of the Tirthankaras, enlightened masters or other elders. Tears may come to our eyes as we reflect on the untold offences left behind us in our destructive trail. Now that we have placed firm faith in our Guru and his teachings, we should take a strong resolution to never commit these transgressions again. We must cultivate steadfast determination to observe this resolve, in all circumstances. To follow this path with determination we must always be craving the wise teachings of the Lord Arihants and our true benevolent friend, the enlightened Guru. Only their compassion can boost our strength for the right conduct, and ultimately alleviate all our sorrows. The Jain religion summarises the desire of seeking forgiveness in two beautiful words, “Michchhami Dukkadum”. P. P. Bhaishree has given us a thought provoking explanation of the deep meanings contained in each alphabet of these two words as below: - મિચ્છા મિ દુક્કડં મિ : મૃદુમાર્દવપણા ના અર્થમાં છે, હૃદય કોમળ અને અહંભાવ વિનાનું કરવું ચ્છા: દોષનું છેદન મિ : મર્યાદામાં રહેવું, ધર્મની મર્યાદામાં રહેવું દુ : દુગંછા કરું છું, દુષ્કૃત્યો કરનાર મારા આત્માની દુગુંછા, ઘૃણા કરું છું ક્ક : મારાથી કરાયેલા તે પાપ કષાયનો ત્યાગ કરી ડં : ઉપષમભાવથી આ સંસારને ઉલંઘી જાઉં છું MICCHAMI DUKKADUM MI : With a tender and humble heart free from pride CHA: I give up transgressions MI : Remaining within the boundaries of dharma DU : I curse my soul for all the offenses it has committed in the past KKA : I renounce all committed sin and passions (anger, ego, deceit and greed) DUM : Adopting equanimity and tranquility I thereby overcome worldly existence
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 06:00:34 +0000