Answer

In Jain practice during Paryushana:

• Tomatoes are generally avoided by many Jains during Paryushana because they contain many seeds and are considered unsuitable for stricter religious discipline.
• Soyabean is not universally prohibited, but many families and traditions avoid it during Paryushana, especially if it is considered heavy, processed, sprouted, fermented, or not part of the simple food discipline followed at home.

Explanation

Paryushana is a time of increased ahimsa, simplicity, restraint, and purification. Food rules can vary by:

• Jain sect — Śvetāmbara, Digambara, Sthānakavāsī, Terāpanth, etc.
• Family tradition
• Level of observance — normal Paryushana diet, ekasana, biyasana, upvas, ayambil, etc.

For tomatoes, many observant Jains avoid them because they are seed-bearing and are often grouped with foods avoided during Paryushana.

For soyabean, the answer depends on form:

• Plain dried soyabean: some may allow it if properly cleaned and cooked fresh.
• Sprouted soyabean: generally avoided.
• Fermented soy products like soy sauce, tempeh, miso: generally avoided.
• Processed soy products: often avoided during Paryushana due to ingredients, preservatives, or uncertainty.

Spiritual Understanding

The spirit of Paryushana is not only “what is technically allowed,” but to reduce attachment to taste and choose food that supports restraint, purity, and compassion.

Takeaway

If your family or sangh follows stricter Paryushana rules, it is best to avoid tomatoes and also avoid soyabean unless your guru, elder, or local tradition clearly permits it. When in doubt during Paryushana, choosing the simpler and stricter option is spiritually safer.