How to do chhat atham tap
Answer
Chhat Attham Tap generally refers to doing fasting in a disciplined Jain way, connected with Chhat and Attham tapasya.
In common Jain usage:
- Chhat usually means fasting for 2 continuous days.
- Attham usually means fasting for 3 continuous days.
So, to do this tap properly, one should observe it with right intention, purity, self-control, and guidance from a Guru or knowledgeable Jain elder.
How to Do It
- Take permission and guidance: Before starting, consult your Guru, sadhu-sadhvi bhagwant, or an experienced Jain elder.
- Make a clear niyam: Decide whether you are doing Chhat, Attham, or a sequence as per your capacity.
- Observe fasting: During the fasting days, avoid food completely. Water rules may differ by tradition and personal niyam, such as chauvihar or tivihar.
- Follow Jain discipline: Practice samayik, pratikraman, swadhyay, mantra-jaap, stavan, and bhavna.
- Maintain inner purity: Avoid anger, ego, gossip, entertainment, and unnecessary worldly activity.
- Do not harm the body carelessly: Tap should be done according to strength and health. Jain Dharma values awareness, not stubbornness.
- Complete with parna: After the tap, do parna at the proper time, usually with simple and suitable food or boiled water, according to tradition and guidance.
Spiritual Understanding
Tapasya in Jain Dharma is not only about not eating. Its true purpose is:
- To reduce attachment to the body and taste
- To control desires
- To purify karmas
- To strengthen samyak bhavna and self-discipline
- To move closer to the path of moksha
Important Note
If you are new to fasting, elderly, pregnant, ill, diabetic, taking medicines, or physically weak, do not attempt Chhat or Attham without proper guidance. Start with smaller tapas like ekasan, biyasan, upvas, or ayambil as advised.
Takeaway
Do Chhat Attham Tap with shraddha, vinay, self-control, and proper guidance. The outer fast is meaningful when it is joined with inner calmness, forgiveness, and spiritual awareness.