Fasting in Jainism

Fasting in Jainism




Fasting in Jainism is usually which is very soulful and scientifically proven good for health. Majority of Jains observe what is known as the “Ratri Bhojan Tyag,” in which they do not eat anything after Sunset. Some abstain from water during this time as well. For many working people, it is difficult to have an early evening meal, so the majority follow “Ratri Bhojan Tyag” only during Paryushan.


There are various types of fasting in Jainism. Varshitap, Maaskhaman, Ekasna, Biyasna, etc. 


Varshitap : Varshitap is Upwas, fasting for 36 hours, on alternate days for 13 lunar months and 13 days continuously. In Varshitap a person eats on alternate days between sunrise and sunset only. A person can not eat on any two consecutive days for the period of fast but can fast on two consecutive days.


Ekasna : To eat one meal a day at one sitting and drink boiled water as desired between sunrise and sunset. In this you have to sit on one place till you finish your meal. 

Biyasna : To eat two meals a day in two sittings and drink boiled water anytime between sunrise and sunset. In this you have to sit on one place till you finish your meal. 

Aayambil : Jains perform Ayambil Navpad for nine days to salute the nine supreme beings in the universe. Ayambil is special type of fast in which people can eat only boiled grains that too once in a day. It is not permitted to add anything that has salt/sugar/oil to the boiled grains.

Maaskhaman : Jains mostly fast during Paryushana Parv. If one fasts for eight days of Paryushana, its called Atthai, and if one fasts for 10 days its called Dhash Lakshan. Followers can even take up a fast that is one month long known as Maskhamana. In the non fasting days, Jain followers have strict dietary restrictions.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Importance of Diwali in Jainism

Image
 Importance of Diwali in Jainism In Jainism, Diwali is the celebration of Bhagwan Mahavir's contribution to humankind; it commemorates Mahavir's attainment of Moksha or Salvation in Bihar's Pavapuri. Mahavir Swami contributed to the growth of scientific temper and encouraged people to overcome superstition and blind faith. His teachings to advocate gender equity, and also equity in all spheres including economic, political, and social. In Jainism, Diwali was first referred as Dipalika or Splendor of Lamps, in the Harivamsha purana written by Acharya Jinasen. In his words The Tirthankars illuminated Pavanagari by lamps to mark the occasion. Since then, on Diwali, the day when Bhagwan Mahavir attained Niravana, is celebrated with lamps. Mahavira was also known as Jinendra. As tribute to the penance and sacrifice of Mahavir and his valuable contributions to our understanding of life and beyond. The festival usually happens in the month of Kartik, in October or November. Devote...
Read more

2nd Day of Paryushan Parva

Image
  2nd Day of Paryushan Parva Paryushan Parva is the festivals where many people spend there whole day in the Temples performing Pooja and many other rituals. One of the ritual is called Vyakhyan which includes the speeches and stories said by Jain Monks and Jain Nuns. In this Vyakhyan or Pravachan Jain Monks recites the Jain Mantra and Jain Sootra in public. Also, Jain teachings are explained in this Vyakhyan.   Paryushan is the festival in which people worship Bhagawan Mahavira, they celebrates and remembers the teachings of Mahavira in such Pravachan.  Vyakhyan is a part of people's routine during this Paryushan parva in which they keep back all the problems of life and come here to seek knowledge, seek peace from Jain Monks which helps them to fight from day to day problems in family, friends and society.
Read more

Guru Saptami Mahotsav

Image
Guru Saptami Mahotsav Acharya Srimad Rajendrasur ji ( 1826–1906 ) was a major reformer of the 18th and 19th century in the Swetambara sector of Jainism. He was born on 3 December 1827, at Bharatpur (Rajasthan), in the family of the businessman named Rishabhadas Parakh. His born name is Ratna Raj. He had a religious bent of mind. He renounced the worldly life and was initiated as Jain yati by Hemavijayaji at Udaipur in 1846 AD. He had studied diligently the Jain scriptures, philosophy, literature, grammar, rhetoric, lexicography, etc. under Acharya Pramodsuri and Jain Monk Sagarchandji, the well-known yatis of the age, and soon he acquired proficiency. He raised his voice against the corrupt and luxurious life of the Jain yatis and condemned their abundance of possession and insisted on a pious ideal life in accordance with the principles laid down by Jain Tirthankaras and Jain holy scriptures. He also took vigorous attempts to reform the institution of Jain yati and place it on sound, ...
Read more