'Burning Karma': Jains' Holy Season Purifies the Soul

We're now in one of the holiest seasons of the year, in which days and nights are taken up with fasting, prayer and recitations of sacred texts. If you think I'm referring to Judaism, you're likely not alone, but late summer is also the highlight of the year for one of the world's most ancient, and most obscure, faiths Beginning Sept. 4, Jains, followers of one of India's oldest but smallest religions, have been observing Paryushan and Das Lakshana, two festivals that are celebrated in turn by the faith's two major sects: Svetambara and Digambara. Together, these festivals call on Jains to focus on the 10 values of right conduct, apologizing for hurting anyone -- intentionally or not -- through thoughts, words or actions.