In Das Lakshan prav what’s the best way to keep fast for purity of our soul?
Answer
During Das Lakshan Parva, the best fast for purity of the soul is the one done with:
- Samyak bhav — right intention
- Ahimsa — non-violence in thought, speech, and action
- Kashaya control — reducing anger, ego, deceit, and greed
- Swadhyay — study of Jain Dharma
- Pratikraman and forgiveness
In Jain Dharma, fasting is not only about avoiding food. Its real purpose is to reduce attachment to the body and purify the soul by controlling passions.
Explanation
For Das Lakshan Parva, you may observe fasting according to your strength and health:
- Upvas — complete fast for one day
- Ekasan — eating once in one sitting
- Beasan — eating twice in fixed sittings
- Ayambil — simple, tasteless food once a day
- Partial fasting — giving up favorite foods, sweets, fried foods, or unnecessary comforts
If you are able, you can do Upvas on important days, but if health does not allow, then Ekasan, Beasan, or Ayambil with pure thoughts is also spiritually meaningful.
The most important thing is:
- Do not fast with pride.
- Do not compare your tapasya with others.
- Do not become angry or irritated while fasting.
- Keep the mind peaceful and focused on Dharma.
Spiritual Understanding
Das Lakshan teaches ten supreme virtues:
- Uttam Kshama — supreme forgiveness
- Uttam Mardav — humility
- Uttam Arjav — straightforwardness
- Uttam Shauch — purity/contentment
- Uttam Satya — truthfulness
- Uttam Sanyam — self-restraint
- Uttam Tap — austerity
- Uttam Tyag — renunciation
- Uttam Akinchanya — non-possessiveness
- Uttam Brahmacharya — celibacy/chastity
So the best fasting is connected with these virtues. For example:
- Fast from anger.
- Fast from harsh speech.
- Fast from ego.
- Fast from greed and unnecessary desires.
- Fast from violence in thoughts and actions.
This inner fasting is even more important than outer fasting.
Takeaway
The best fast in Das Lakshan Parva is one that makes your soul lighter, calmer, humbler, and closer to its pure nature.
If your body permits, do Upvas, Ayambil, or Ekasan. But always combine it with forgiveness, self-control, prayer, swadhyay, pratikraman, and pure intentions. That is the true path to soul purification in Jain Dharma.