Answer

In Paryushan, Jain Dharma does not require everyone to consume milk, and it also does not universally forbid milk for all laypeople.

Whether to consume milk depends on:

• Your personal vow or tapasya
• Your family or sect tradition
• Your level of discipline during Paryushan
• Your health condition

Many Jains choose to avoid milk and dairy during Paryushan as part of greater compassion, restraint, and purity. Others may consume milk if it is allowed in their household practice or needed for health.

Explanation

Paryushan is a time for:

• Ahimsa
• Self-control
• Fasting or simple eating
• Reducing attachment to taste
• Pratikraman and spiritual reflection

Milk is generally considered acceptable in many traditional Jain household diets, but during Paryushan, many devotees voluntarily reduce or avoid dairy to practice more restraint.

If someone is doing a specific fast such as upvas, ekasana, biyasana, ayambil, or other tapasya, they should follow the rules of that tapasya.

Spiritual Understanding

The deeper purpose is not simply “milk or no milk,” but:

• To reduce dependency on taste
• To practice compassion
• To eat with awareness
• To avoid unnecessary indulgence
• To focus more on the soul than the body

If avoiding milk helps you practice more ahimsa and self-control, it is spiritually beneficial. If health requires it, one should act with wisdom and sincerity.

Takeaway

During Paryushan, milk is not compulsory. Avoiding it is a good discipline if you can do so healthily, but you should follow your vow, health needs, and guidance from your guru or family tradition.