Answer

In Jain Dharma, if by aatham you mean the 8th lunar day observance, it is usually observed as a day of fasting, self-restraint, prayer, and spiritual reflection.

Explanation

A simple way to observe aatham is:

• Begin with intention

- Decide your observance according to your health and your family or guru’s tradition. - Common forms may include: - Upvas: complete fast - Ekasan: one meal only - Biyasan or other partial observances, if followed in your tradition

• Keep the day pure and disciplined

- Stay away from हिंसा, anger, gossip, and unnecessary worldly activity. - Practice: - Navkar Mantra japa - Samayik if possible - Pratikraman or आत्मचिंतन - Reading Jain scriptures or stotras

• Follow Jain food discipline

- If fasting, do not eat food during the vow period. - If doing a partial observance, keep the food simple and sattvic according to Jain rules.

• Use the day for inner purification

- Ask for forgiveness mentally and sincerely. - Focus on reducing attachment, anger, pride, deceit, and greed.

• End the observance properly

- Break the fast only in the proper way followed in your tradition, usually with prayer and simple, suitable food.

Spiritual Understanding

Aatham is not only about food restraint. In Jain Dharma, it is mainly a practice of:

• Tapasya: reducing bodily attachment
• Ahimsa: minimizing harm in thought, word, and action
• Atma-chintan: self-awareness and purification
• Vairagya: developing detachment

The outer observance supports the inner goal: cleansing the soul and weakening karma.

Takeaway

Observe aatham with sincerity, simplicity, and discipline. The most important part is not just fasting, but pure intention, self-control, and devotion.