Answer

In Jain Dharma, Ekasana means eating only once in one sitting during the day, with discipline and restraint.

The basic vow of Ekasana is:

• To eat only one meal in one sitting.
• Not to eat again after getting up from that place.
• To avoid food after sunset, as per Jain discipline.
• To maintain purity of mind, speech, and body while doing the vow.

Explanation

In Ekasana, a person sits in one place and eats one time only. Once the person finishes the meal and gets up, the eating is considered complete.

During Ekasana, one should observe:

• Ahimsa — avoid careless actions that may harm living beings.
• Sanyam — control over taste, desire, and overeating.
• Bhav Shuddhi — keep pure thoughts and devotion.
• Simple food — avoid indulgence and attachment to taste.
• Religious reflection — engage in prayer, samayik, swadhyay, or remembrance of the soul.

Spiritual Understanding

Ekasana is not only about eating once. Its deeper purpose is to reduce attachment to food and taste. It helps the soul practice self-control, discipline, and awareness.

By limiting food, one limits desires. This supports Jain principles of tapasya, sanyam, and atma-shuddhi.

Takeaway

Ekasana is a Jain vow of disciplined eating: one meal, one sitting, with purity, restraint, and spiritual awareness.