Answer

During upvaas, before drinking water, a Jain should do it with awareness, restraint, and purity of mind.

Commonly, one should:

• Drink only during the permitted time, as per the vow taken.
• Make sure the water is properly filtered/boiled according to Jain practice.
• Drink calmly, without attachment or greed.
• Remember the purpose of upvaas: self-control, purification, and spiritual progress.
• If you follow a specific family, sect, or guru tradition, follow that guidance.

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, upvaas is not only about avoiding food. It is a practice of reducing bodily desires and increasing spiritual awareness. Even when water is allowed, it should be taken carefully and mindfully.

Some people may recite a short prayer, do Navkar Mantra, or mentally ask forgiveness for any harm caused to living beings. This depends on tradition and personal practice.

Spiritual Understanding

Before drinking water, the main inner feeling should be:

• Ahimsa — care for even the smallest living beings.
• Sanyam — control over taste and desire.
• Jagruti — awareness that the body is being supported only for spiritual effort.

Takeaway

Before drinking water during upvaas, keep purity, awareness, and restraint. If your upvaas rules were given by a guru or family tradition, follow those instructions respectfully.