What is the fal of atthai?
Answer
In Jain Dharma, the fal (fruit/result) of Atthai is considered very spiritually powerful.
Atthai means observing fasting/tapasya for 8 days, usually with deep devotion, samayik, pratikraman, swadhyay, meditation, and restraint.
Its main fal is:
- Nirjara — shedding of past karmas
- Atma-shuddhi — purification of the soul
- Control over desires — strengthening self-discipline
- Punya bandh — bondage of auspicious karma when done with right faith and humility
- Spiritual progress — moving closer toward liberation
Explanation
The true fal of Atthai is not merely worldly benefit. In Jainism, tapasya is mainly for reducing attachment to the body, food, taste, comfort, and passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
If Atthai is done with:
- Samyag bhav — pure intention
- Shraddha — faith
- Vinay — humility
- Ahimsa and restraint
- Dharm dhyan
then it becomes a cause of great nirjara.
Spiritual Understanding
The highest fruit of Atthai is not fame, praise, or material reward. Its real fruit is the weakening of karma and passions. Jain Dharma teaches that tapasya becomes meaningful only when the inner soul becomes calmer, purer, and less attached.
Takeaway
The fal of Atthai is karma nirjara, purity of soul, self-control, punya, and spiritual upliftment. Its greatest value lies in doing it with right faith, humility, and inner awareness.