Answer

Ekāśana means taking food only once in a day, while observing proper Jain discipline and restraint.

In Jain Dharma, Ekāśana is a form of tapasya that helps reduce attachment to taste, control desires, and increase spiritual awareness.

Process of Ekāśana

• Take a vow: Mentally decide with sincerity that you will do Ekāśana for the day.
• Eat only once: Take food at one sitting only.
• Remain seated: Food should be taken while sitting in one place. Avoid getting up and returning to eat again.
• Eat within proper time: Traditionally, food is taken during daytime, not after sunset.
• Maintain restraint: Eat with simplicity, not for taste or indulgence.
• Avoid repeated eating: After completing the meal, no more food is taken for the rest of the day.
• Follow purity: Avoid prohibited foods according to Jain practice, such as root vegetables, honey, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food.
• Practice spirituality: Spend the day in samayik, pratikraman, swadhyay, mantra-jap, or reflection on the soul.

Water During Ekāśana

Practices may vary by tradition and personal vow. Many people take boiled and cooled water only during permitted daytime hours. Some follow stricter rules according to guidance from their guru or family tradition.

Spiritual Understanding

Ekāśana is not just eating once. Its real purpose is:

• to reduce greed and attachment to food,
• to practice self-control,
• to purify thoughts, words, and actions,
• to support inner discipline and spiritual progress.

Takeaway

Ekāśana should be done with humility, awareness, and devotion. If you are new to it, elderly, pregnant, ill, or on medication, follow it only according to your health and with proper guidance from a knowledgeable Jain guru or elder.