'The Chaturmas is a period of spiritual purification'

'The Chaturmas is a period of spiritual purification'
- CAMIL PARKHE Thursday, 22 August 2013 - 10:06 PM IST
Tags: Chaturmas, Sadhvi Vishwadarshanaji

The Jain community is presently observing the holy period of Chaturmas. Sadhvi Vishwadarshanaji, who is camping at Kalyan Pratishthan in Chinchwad, explains to Camil Parkhe the significance of this holy period, related to prayers, penance and purification.

What is the significance of Chaturmas?
The holy Chaturmas period - the four months of the monsoon season - is exclusively devoted for spiritual and religious affairs. The Jain gurus and sadhvis, who tour different areas on foot for eight months of the year, preaching the religion, choose a place to camp during the four months of the Chaturmas. During this period, religious leaders guide devotees on the teachings of Lord Mahavir. The daily activities during the Chaturmas include religious discourses, discussion on various religious matters and also sanskar classes for children.

What are the obligations of the devotees during the holy period?

Devotees  attend discourses daily and also observe some penance like total (nirankar) fasting for a day or more, but that is not enough. The devotees are also advised to follow the principle of non-violence, to shun hatred and to forgive others during this holy period. The eight-day-long Paryushan Mahaparva, which will be observed from September 2 to 9, is the most important part of the Chaturmas.

Sawantsari Mahaparva, the last day of Paryushan Mahaparva, is the most holy day when devout Jains all over the world observe a fast. The Chaturmas is a period of spiritual purification.

What is the relevance of the Ahimsa (non-violence) principle in today's world?

The principle of non-violence has become even more relevant at present in view of the growing incidents of terrorism all over the world. Love begets peace and hatred begets violence. Mahatma Gandhi too advocated non-violence to fight against the British. The root cause of most ills in the world is hatred towards other people or entities. If people love their fellow beings and also all living beings, there will be peace and happiness in the world.