Twelve Penances

I reflect on and confess any sinful wrong-doings (Atichär) related to penance of a long or short duration. In spite of ability, I might not have performed the twelve penances consisting of

six external penances, viz., 

• fasting, 
• taking less food, 
• taking fewer food items
•  abstention from specific taste
•  straining the body 
• restrain passions like anger 

six internal penances, viz.,

• atonement of sin
• politeness
• service to ascetics
• study of scriptures 
• meditation 
• giving up of bodily activities. 

If at all I had practiced them I might have practiced for this worldly or other worldly happiness, or with the hope of getting fame, or done it out of jealousy. I might not have performed penance in spite of I was fit to do so or performed it just to fulfill the oath I had taken before a god. I might have felt proud after performing the penance or resorted to self-praise after performing it. If I have indulged in any of the above faults or lapses by physical, verbal or mental activities, directly or indirectly, then I pray that my such faults be dissolved. TASSA MICHCHHÄ MI DUKKADAM.