Some Jaina Canonical Sutras c28.7

c28.7

The fourth theme is pratikramana which means the prescribed mode of confession and expiation The word pratikramana implies the idea of gradual steps in walking out of the clutches of impurity and proceeding towards purity. The pratikramana mode is concerned in point of time with the past. So it is said, ‘I step out of the past, I practise self-restraint with regard to the present, I practise abstinence with regard to the future’ (atītam padikkamāmi, paduppannam samvaremi, anāgayam paccakkhāmi.’) Thus the expiation of the past misdeeds is possible by the door or means of self-reproach (nindādvārena). The checking of the present misdeeds is possible by the door or means of self-restraint (samvaradvārena) and the prevention of future misdeeds is possible by the door or means of abstinence (pratyākhyānadvārena). He who steps out of the clutches of impure and sinful deeds is a person who adheres to right views, and the practice of meditation is the accredited way of egress. Pratikramana is distinguished into two kinds in respect of substance, place, time, and state of existence. According to another classification, it is of five kinds, namely, stepping out of the door to sin (āsavadārapadikkamana), stepping out of rashness (micchāttapadikkamana), stepping out of four contaminations, (kasāyapadikkamana), stepping out of improper thoughts, words and actions (yogapadikkamane) and stepping out of the states of existence (*bhāvapadikkamane*). According to the third classification *pratikramana* is of the following kinds: stepping out of the sins committed in respect of attending to calls of nature, coughing, removing mucus of the nose, rashness in respect of expanding and contracting the limbs.