Answer

If you are observing fasting during Daslakshan while going to the office and you have migraine, Jain Dharma does not ask you to harm your body. Do tapasya according to your shakti — your physical capacity.

If full fasting may trigger migraine, you can choose a lighter and safer form of tapasya, such as:

• Ekāsan – eating once in the day
• Beāsan – eating twice in the day
• Āyambil – simple, tasteless food once in the day
• Unodari – eating less than your hunger
• Ras parityāg – giving up certain tastes or favorite foods
• Extra svādhyāy, pratikraman, samayik, or japa

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, fasting is a form of tap, but the purpose of tap is not merely not eating. Its deeper purpose is:

• Reducing attachment to the body and taste
• Controlling desires
• Increasing awareness of the soul
• Practicing forgiveness, humility, purity, and self-discipline

During Daslakshan Parva, the focus is on the ten dharmas such as forgiveness, humility, truthfulness, purity, restraint, and renunciation. Food restraint is helpful, but inner purity is most important.

If migraine becomes severe due to fasting, then forcing yourself may disturb your mind and reduce your ability to do dharmic activities peacefully.

Spiritual Understanding

A sincere, mindful, and capacity-based tapasya is better than a forced fast done with pain, stress, or pride.

You may take a vow like:

• “Today I will do ekāsan and avoid anger.”
• “Today I will eat simple food and do samayik.”
• “Today I will avoid unnecessary speech and practice forgiveness.”

This keeps the spirit of Daslakshan alive while respecting your health condition.

Takeaway

For Daslakshan, do not think only “fast or no fast.” Think: How can I reduce attachment and increase inner purity today?

With migraine and office work, choose a tapasya that is sincere, peaceful, and within your capacity.