This is the 14th year we have been conducting English Pratikraman! This year, in addition to our usual followers, we had lots of new faces attending both in person and online– in fact, this year one of our loyal followers joined us from an oil rig in the North Sea!
The teaching team did a tremendous job in preparing the content for this year's Pratikraman over the last few months and delivering it over the 8 days with so much patience, clarity, and pure feeling. Over the 8 days, the teachers not only explained each aspect of the process very clearly but also left the audience with some great take away messages: focusing on only essential needs whilst trying to eliminate greed and ego will help us with spiritual progress; striving to bring the three ‘As’ in our lives (Ahimsa, Aparigraha and Anekantavada), with emphasis on having regard to other viewpoints and avoiding making judgements; and how peace is deeply embedded in our Jain Faith.
The message on the final day was powerful: It is time to transform ourselves, make changes in our lives and progress on the spiritual path. Cultivating humility, kindness, appreciation of others and taking time to nourish the soul are all steps towards that transformation!
We had a wonderful first this year - an additional English Pratikraman at Oshwal Centre on the second day of Paryushan! We are grateful to Oshwal Association UK for their continued collaboration and support in hosting us at the venues, helping with all the technical arrangements and again giving us a great platform to promote English Pratikraman far and wide.
Several people also fasted over all 8 days and felicitation was organised on Day 7 where everyone appreciated all the tapasvis and to all the children taking part.
This has indeed been another memorable, peaceful and compelling Pratikraman for everyone here in the UK!
