Monday, September 2, 2019

Michammi Dukkadam - મિચ્છામી દુક્ડમ્ 🙏🏻


Dear All,

On the last day of the Paryushana, the most important annual holy event of the Jain calendar, I seek forgiveness! I understand that there are many people who might be hurt as a result of my deeds without me knowing about it, I take this means to bow to the entire world and all the creatures and ask for forgiveness. If I have offended you in any way, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word or deed, I seek your forgiveness… Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ (मिच्छामि दुक्कडम्)! 
It shifts the ego to humility and helps to dissolve our ‘Karma- May all the evil that has been done be fruitless’.


This is a time to be connected to that ‘Oneness’. To reflect and let go of anything that is holding us back from that Oneness and connection. The reason for meeting and celebrating the circle of love and joy is to forgive and rejoice. Everyone in the community says “Micchami Dukkadam” (मिच्छामि दुक्कडम्) to the Divine and then to each other with folded hands and gratitude. 

Traditionally, it is said on the day of Samvatsari which is the last day of Paryushana, 8 days of the most important annual holy event of the Jain calendar. Seven days are days of attainment and the eighth day (Samvatsari day) is one of fulfillment or achievement. It is at this time that we embark on our respective annual pratikramana – a reflection on our spiritual journey for the past year. Old quarrels are forgotten and friendships and relationships renewed, as we fold our hands and ask for “मिच्छामि दुक्कडम्” or forgiveness. Michhami means to be fruitless (forgiven) and Dukkadam means bad deeds. Therefore the meaning of Michhami Dukkadam is my bad deeds (with you) be fruitless. So the concept behind saying or writing someone “मिच्छामि दुक्कडम्” is that ‘If I have done any harm to you than those bad deeds to be forgiven (be fruitless)

This is to me is a great way to improve the quality of Life. I like to practice this ritual every year and love all the dimensions of it, from exchanging hugs, to tears to love and liberation.


Antha karan thi (from bottom of my heart)

આખા વર્ષ દરમિયાન મારા કે મારા પરિવાર તરફ થી આપની લાગણી દુભાઈ હોય તેવુ કોઈ પણ કાર્ય જાણતા ક અજાણતા થયું હોય.... તો હું નત મસ્તકે ક્ષમા યાચું છું...


મિચ્છામી દુક્ડમ્ !
Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ (मिच्छामि दुक्कडम्) ! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻