Answer

Following Paryushan and doing tapas during Paryushan is highly respected and spiritually beneficial in Jain Dharma, but the exact form of observance depends on one’s capacity, health, understanding, and guidance.

It is not about forcing the body. It is about purifying the soul through:

• Samayik – equanimity
• Pratikraman – repentance and self-review
• Swadhyay – study of Dharma
• Tapas – austerity and self-discipline
• Kshamapana – forgiveness
• Reduction of passions like anger, ego, deceit, and greed

Explanation

Paryushan is one of the most important spiritual periods in Jain tradition. During this time, Jains make a special effort to turn inward and reduce attachment to worldly pleasures.

Tapas during Paryushan may include:

• Fasting
• Ekasan or Biyasan
• Ayambil
• Limiting food items
• Avoiding unnecessary speech
• Extra prayers, pratikraman, and meditation

However, tapas should be done with right intention, not pride or social pressure. A small vow done with humility and awareness is spiritually better than a difficult fast done with ego, anger, or comparison.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, tapas helps weaken attachment to the body and senses. But the deeper purpose is inner purification. If fasting increases anger, pride, or judgment of others, then its spiritual value is reduced.

The true spirit of Paryushan is:

• To ask forgiveness
• To forgive others
• To reduce violence in thought, speech, and action
• To control desires
• To become more aware of the soul

So, if someone cannot fast due to health, age, pregnancy, medication, or other valid reasons, they can still observe Paryushan meaningfully through prayer, pratikraman, swadhyay, charity, restraint, and forgiveness.

Takeaway

Tapas during Paryushan is very beneficial, but it should be done according to one’s capacity and with pure intention. The most important tapas is not only fasting from food, but fasting from anger, ego, greed, harsh words, and harmful actions.