Answer

To start Upavas in Jain Dharma, begin with a pure intention, follow proper food discipline, and keep the mind peaceful, spiritual, and restrained.

Upavas means spending the day in spiritual awareness by giving up food and focusing on the soul.

How to Start Upavas

• Take a clear intention: Decide that you are doing Upavas for self-purification, not for show or pride.
• Do Pachchakkhan: Traditionally, one takes a vow of Upavas through Pachchakkhan, usually before a Guru, elder, or with sincere devotion.
• Stop eating after previous day’s Chauvihar: Many people begin by taking Chauvihar the night before, meaning no food or water after sunset.
• On the day of Upavas: Do not take food. Depending on your capacity and tradition, Upavas may be with boiled water or without water.
• Drink water only if your Pachchakkhan allows: In many Jain practices, boiled water may be taken only during the permitted daytime period.
• Spend the day spiritually: Do Samayik, Pratikraman, Navkar Mantra jaap, reading of Jain scriptures, and peaceful reflection.
• Avoid anger and gossip: Upavas is not only about food; it is also about controlling passions like anger, ego, deceit, and greed.
• Break the fast properly: The next day, complete the fast with Parna at the proper time, usually with simple and suitable food or water according to tradition.

Important Guidance

If you are doing Upavas for the first time:

• Start under guidance of a Jain Guru, elder, or knowledgeable person.
• If your health is weak, do not force yourself.
• You may begin with smaller practices like Ekasan, Beasan, or Ayambil before doing full Upavas.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, Upavas is not just fasting. It is a practice of coming closer to the soul by reducing attachment to the body and senses. The real purpose is inner purity, forgiveness, discipline, and awareness.

Takeaway

Start Upavas with humility, proper Pachchakkhan, spiritual focus, and respect for your health and capacity. The true Upavas is fasting from food as well as from anger, pride, attachment, and harmful thoughts.