17 Apr 2021
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pAs the full moon rises on the last day of the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November), Jain communities across the globe mark Kartik Purnima—a festival that, while significant across several Indian traditions, holds unique meaning within Jainism. This day commemorates the conclusion of chaturmas, the four-month monsoon period when Jain monks and nuns remain stationary, and celebrates the profound spiritual principle that even the movement of ascetics must align with the rhythm of nature and the imperative of ahimsa (non-violence)./p
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pUnlike festivals marked by grand festivities or elaborate rituals, Kartik Purnima in Jain tradition emphasizes quiet devotion, completion of spiritual disciplines, and renewed commitment to the path of liberation. Yet as Jain communities have spread across continents—from ancient settlements in India to modern diaspora in North America, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia—the celebration has evolved, adapting to new contexts while maintaining its essential spiritual core. This exploration reveals how Jains worldwide honor this sacred day, the philosophy underlying their practices, and how tradition and adaptation coexist in global Jain communities./p
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The Spiritual Significance: Why Kartik Purnima Matters
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pTo understand how Jains celebrate Kartik Purnima, we must first grasp why it holds significance in Jain cosmology and practice./p
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The End of Chaturmas
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pChaturmas context: The four-month period from July to October, coinciding with the Indian monsoon, is when Jain monks and nuns cease their continuous wandering and remain in one location. This practice dates back to Lord Mahavira's time and reflects a fundamental Jain principle: non-violence toward all life forms./p
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pDuring the monsoon, the earth teems with life. Heavy rains bring countless insects, worms, and microorganisms to the surface. Vegetation flourishes. Walking through this abundance inevitably causes harm—crushing insects underfoot, damaging plants, and disturbing thriving ecosystems. For Jain ascetics committed to absolute non-violence, traveling during this period would violate their most fundamental vow./p
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pThe philosophy: This practice embodies several profound principles:/p
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liSeasonal awareness: Spiritual practice must harmonize with natural cycles, not oppose them/li
liEcological consciousness: The recognition that human activity impacts countless life forms, many invisible to the naked eye/li
liSacrifice for principle: Monks and nuns surrender their freedom of movement for four months, accepting restriction to honor life/li
liCommunity engagement: The stationary period allows deeper engagement with lay communities, enabling teaching, study, and mutual spiritual support/li
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