Answer

In Jain practice, whether one drinks tea during Paryushan depends on the level of observance and personal vows.

Generally:

• If you are doing strict Paryushan tapa or fasting, tea is usually avoided.
• If you are doing upvas, tea is not taken.
• If you are doing ekasana or beyasana, tea would normally not be taken outside the permitted meal time.
• If you are observing only general dietary restraint, some people may still drink tea, but many avoid it as part of self-discipline.

Explanation

Paryushan is a time for reducing attachment, controlling taste, practicing simplicity, and increasing spiritual awareness. Tea is not considered necessary food, and it is often taken for habit, taste, or stimulation. Therefore, many Jains choose to avoid tea during Paryushan.

Also, tea may involve concerns such as:

• drinking after sunset, which is avoided in Jain discipline,
• milk usage depending on one’s practice,
• dependency on taste or caffeine,
• breaking the spirit of tapa or restraint.

Spiritual Understanding

The deeper purpose of Paryushan is not only “what is allowed,” but “what helps reduce attachment.” If giving up tea helps you practice more self-control, then avoiding it during Paryushan is spiritually beneficial.

Takeaway

If you are fasting or doing strict tapa, avoid tea. If you are not fasting, it is still better to avoid tea during Paryushan as a practice of restraint, unless health or personal circumstances require otherwise.