In shortDas Lakshan Parv is the ten day festival of the ten virtues of the soul. In the Digambar tradition it is observed from Bhadrapad Shukla Panchami to Chaturdashi.
मूल सूत्रThe original sutra
उत्तमक्षमामार्दवार्जवशौचसत्यसंयमतपस्त्यागाकिञ्चन्यब्रह्मचर्याणि धर्मः ॥६॥Tattvarth Sutra, chapter 9, sutra 6
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Why "uttam"?
Uttam means supreme. These are not ordinary good manners done out of fear or for praise. They are the soul's own nature, and they begin with right belief.
दस धर्मTen days, ten virtues
DAY1
उत्तम क्षमा
Supreme forgiveness
The mind stays free of anger, even when insulted or hurt.
DAY2
उत्तम मार्दव
Supreme humility
No pride of caste, power, wealth, beauty or knowledge.
DAY3
उत्तम आर्जव
Supreme straightforwardness
No deceit, the same inside and outside.
DAY4
उत्तम शौच
Supreme purity
Freedom from greed.
DAY5
उत्तम सत्य
Supreme truth
Speech that is true and good for others.
DAY6
उत्तम संयम
Supreme self restraint
Not hurting any living being, control of the senses.
DAY7
उत्तम तप
Supreme austerity
Effort that burns away karma.
DAY8
उत्तम त्याग
Supreme giving
Sharing knowledge and giving freely.
DAY9
उत्तम आकिञ्चन्य
Supreme non attachment
Nothing outside is "mine".
DAY10
उत्तम ब्रह्मचर्य
Supreme chastity
Resting in one's own soul.
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Not only for ten days
The virtues can be practised any day. These ten days are for focusing on them together.
छोटा सा क्विज़Test yourself
1. Where are the ten dharmas listed in the Tattvarth Sutra?
Chapter 9, sutra 6.
2. Uttam Shauch is freedom from what?
Greed.
3. Which dharma means nothing outside is "mine"?
Uttam Aakinchanya, supreme non attachment.