Religions and I share a special relationship: I do not believe in any, but I respect all of them.
But one thing I deliberately do: I observe the principles offered by different religions, see how they can help humanity, and continue my journey of becoming an aware human.
But this does not stop the religious messages and wishes I receive; and it is obvious also as everyone is different.
Today, I received such a wish when I was beginning my day – from a Jain friend whom I respect for his remarkable dedication to work and ethics as a person.
He sent me a message – Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ along with a couple of lines that said he is seeking forgiveness!
I read the message consciously and felt good about it. Soon, I thought I should know more about what Michhami Dukkadam really means. Hence, I did a quick research (pardon my unawareness – I have received this message every year but never really knew what it really means).
Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ is widely used in the Jain religion on the last day (Samvatsari or Kshamavani) of Paryushana, the most important annual holy event of the Jain calendar. As a matter of ritual, Jains greet their friends and relatives on this last day with Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ, seeking their forgiveness. No private quarrel or dispute should be carried beyond this time. The importance of forgiveness is at the utmost in Jainism.
Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ means this: “May All The Evil That Has Been Done Be Fruitless.”
Here is how I perceive it:
- When someone asks you to forgive, regardless if s/he has committed any wrongdoings, you get a specific chemical reaction in your body.
- You suddenly feel that the amount of selfishness you carry as a human starts to decrease. When selfishness decreases, you start to feel relaxed.
- If you don’t overwrite your state of being with new (and often selfish) experiences again, you remain in a great state of joy, an abundance of happiness, and cheer.
I hope all of you who are reading this get to experience that.
So here is my Michami Dukkadam to all of you …
For any reasons, or unreasonably;
By doing something or by not doing ‘some’ thing;
directly or indirectly;If I have hurt you, emotionally, mentally, physically (I guess not) or otherwise, then please forgive this Nobody. ??
Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ! ????
~UV (20170825)
