Answer

In Jain practice, during Ekashana, one normally eats only once in the day, in one sitting. Whether coffee is okay depends on the rule or vow you are following.

In the stricter traditional understanding, coffee should be avoided outside the Ekashana meal, because it is a drink taken for taste or stimulation and can break the discipline of eating only once.

Explanation

During Ekashana:

• You take food only once in the day.
• The meal is usually taken in one sitting.
• After completing the meal, one avoids additional food or taste-based drinks.
• Boiled water may be allowed depending on the tradition and the specific rule being observed.

If coffee is taken with the Ekashana meal, some people may consider it part of that one meal. However, many traditional practitioners avoid coffee during tapas because it increases attachment to taste and stimulation.

Spiritual Understanding

Ekashana is not only about reducing the number of meals. Its purpose is to practice:

• Self-control
• Reduction of taste attachment
• Simplicity
• Awareness of the soul

So, even if coffee is technically taken during the meal, spiritually it is better to avoid it if one wants to observe Ekashana with greater purity.

Takeaway

If you are doing Ekashana casually, ask your family or Guru according to your tradition. If you want to follow it strictly, avoid coffee, especially outside the one meal.