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Introduction
The pious Jaina householder is expected to perform following six necessary duties every day, these are:
1. Sämäyika: Practice of unbroken meditative equanimity of the soul. The word sämäyika is derived from sama, which means well balanced. The one who attains equanimity of mind is free from attachment and aversion. It helps in cleansing and enhancing the conduct attribute (chäritra guna) by acquiring right faith and knowledge. The sämäyika vow is introductory stage to Jaina religious practice of abstinence.
2. Chaturvimashati Stava: Eulogy to 24 Tirthankaras. It helps in cleansing; enhancing and purifying the faith attribute (darshana guna).
3. Vandanaka: Veneration to an ascetic or the congregation of monks. It helps in cleansing and enhancing the knowledge attribute (jnäna guna).
4. Pratikramana: Practice of confession and expiation (atonement) of the past misdeeds by recitation of sacred hymns. The word pratikramana means to proceed towards purity by gradually freeing oneself from the harmful activities. According to some authority pratikramana is further classified into 5 different kinds: a) freeing from the sin (äsavadärapadikkamana), b) getting rid of ignorance (michchhättapadikamana), c) getting rid of four passions (kashäyapadikkamana), d) stepping out of improper thoughts, words and deeds (yogapadikkamane) and e) stepping out of the states of existence (bhävapadikkamane) There are 8 different steps in pratikramana, which a person goes through, these are: A. Pratikramana: To confess B. Praticharana: To practice restraint
