Answer

During Paryushan, a Jain should especially avoid anything that increases himsa (violence), kashayas (anger, ego, deceit, greed), attachment, carelessness, and impurity of mind.

Common things not to do during Paryushan include:

• Do not hurt any living being knowingly.
• Do not eat root vegetables such as potato, onion, garlic, carrot, etc.
• Do not eat after sunset.
• Do not lie, cheat, gossip, or speak harshly.
• Do not get angry or create arguments.
• Do not waste food, water, or resources.
• Do not engage in unnecessary entertainment, luxury, or indulgence.
• Do not criticize others’ religious practices or level of fasting.
• Do not ignore pratikraman, forgiveness, self-reflection, and spiritual study.
• Do not remain careless in thoughts, words, and actions.

Explanation

Paryushan is a time for inner purification. The focus is not only on fasting, but also on reducing passions and improving conduct.

So during these days, Jains try to practice:

• Ahimsa — non-violence
• Satya — truthfulness
• Samyam — self-control
• Tap — austerity
• Kshama — forgiveness
• Swadhyay — scriptural study

Spiritual Understanding

The main purpose of Paryushan is to cleanse the soul by reducing bad karma. Avoiding harmful actions is important, but avoiding harmful emotions is even more important.

For example:

• Fasting with anger is not spiritually beneficial.
• Doing pratikraman without forgiveness is incomplete.
• Giving up food but keeping ego is not the true spirit of Paryushan.

Takeaway

During Paryushan, avoid violence, anger, lies, ego, greed, carelessness, and unnecessary pleasures. The true goal is to become more peaceful, forgiving, humble, and spiritually aware.