Answer

In Jain Dharma, Upvas means observing a fast with spiritual awareness. It is not only “not eating”; it is a practice of self-control, purification, repentance, and focus on the soul.

Process of Upvas

• Take a proper intention: Begin with a peaceful mind and decide to do Upvas for spiritual purification, not for show or pride.
• Follow food restrictions: In a traditional Jain Upvas, one avoids all food for the day. Many people take only boiled water during permitted time, depending on their tradition, health, and capacity.
• Observe discipline of mind, speech, and body: Avoid anger, gossip, lying, attachment, and unnecessary activities.
• Do religious activities: Spend the day in:
  • Samayik
  • Pratikraman
  • Swadhyay
  • Navkar Mantra
  • Stavan or Bhakti
  • Meditation and introspection
• Practice forgiveness and humility: Upvas becomes meaningful when it reduces passions like anger, ego, deceit, and greed.
• Complete the Upvas properly: The fast is usually completed the next day with Parna, meaning breaking the fast in a simple and disciplined way.

Spiritual Understanding

Upvas means coming closer to the soul by reducing attachment to the body and senses. In Jain Dharma, fasting is valuable when it is done with:

• Right faith
• Right knowledge
• Right conduct
• Humility
• Control over passions

Takeaway

The true process of Upvas is not just avoiding food, but purifying the mind, controlling desires, and turning inward toward the soul. If you are new to Upvas or have health concerns, it is best to do it according to your capacity and with guidance from elders or a knowledgeable Jain person.