Answer

During Athai in Jain Dharma, one observes 8 days of tapasya with purity of body, speech, and mind. The main focus should be:

• Fasting or eating with restraint according to your capacity
• Samayik and meditation
• Pratikraman
• Reading or listening to Jain scriptures
• Chanting Navkar Mantra
• Avoiding anger, ego, deceit, greed, gossip, and worldly distractions
• Maintaining ahimsa, humility, and inner peace

Explanation

Athai generally means a continuous 8-day observance of austerity. Many people do complete fasting for 8 days, while others may observe it in a way suitable to their health and strength, such as:

• Upvas
• Ayambil
• Ekasana
• Beasana
• Other restrained food practices under proper guidance

During Athai, the outer tapasya should be joined with inner tapasya. That means controlling passions and purifying the soul through forgiveness, humility, self-study, and meditation.

A good daily routine may include:

• Wake up early with remembrance of Navkar Mantra
• Do Samayik if possible
• Attend temple or do darshan respectfully, if suitable
• Read or listen to Jain teachings
• Do Pratikraman
• Keep silence for some time
• Avoid unnecessary phone, entertainment, and social media
• Practice forgiveness and kindness toward all living beings

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, tapasya is not only about not eating. Its deeper purpose is to reduce attachment to the body and senses, weaken karmic bondage, and move the soul toward purity.

If one fasts but remains angry, proud, or restless, the spiritual benefit becomes limited. Therefore, Athai should be done with:

• Vinay — humility
• Shanti — peace
• Samata — equanimity
• Bhavna — pure reflection
• Kshama — forgiveness

Takeaway

Athai is a sacred opportunity to purify the soul. Do the tapasya according to your capacity, under proper guidance, and keep the main focus on Navkar Mantra, Pratikraman, self-control, forgiveness, and inner peace.