Answer

If a person can do Upvaas, they should do it with proper understanding, humility, and spiritual intention — not just as “not eating.”

In Jain Dharma, Upvaas means fasting for self-control, purification of karma, and focus on the soul.

What to Do During Upvaas

• Take a proper vow or inner determination for the fast.
• Avoid food completely according to the type of Upvaas being observed.
• Drink or avoid water according to your tradition and capacity.
• Do Navkar Mantra jaap.
• Read or listen to Jain scriptures and spiritual pravachan.
• Do Samayik, Pratikraman, meditation, or silent reflection.
• Maintain peace in speech, thoughts, and actions.
• Avoid anger, pride, deceit, greed, gossip, and entertainment.
• Keep the mind focused on forgiveness, detachment, and the soul.

Important

Upvaas should be done according to one’s health and capacity. If the body is weak, sick, pregnant, elderly, or under medical restriction, one should not force it. Jain Dharma values bhav — pure intention — along with external practice.

Spiritual Understanding

The true purpose of Upvaas is to reduce attachment to the body and food, control desires, and move closer to the pure nature of the soul.

Takeaway

Do Upvaas with devotion, discipline, peace, and right intention. Fasting becomes meaningful when the mind also remains pure.