During Parushan (or Paryushan), one of the most important Jain festivals, fasting is a key spiritual practice. The way to fast can vary based on individual capacity, sect (Shwetambar or Digambar), and personal vows. Here’s a Jainism-based guide:

1. Types of Fasting (Upvaas)

• Upvaas: Complete abstinence from all food, sometimes including water, for 24 hours.
• Ekasana: Eating only one meal a day.
• Beasana: Eating two meals a day, without any snacks in between.
• Aayambil: Eating only once a day, consuming only simple, tasteless food (no spices, oil, milk, curd, fruits, vegetables, etc.).
• Varsitap: Alternate day fasting for a set period.
• Total fasting: No food or water, often observed on the last day (Samvatsari/Mahaparva).

2. Preparations

• Mental preparation: Fast with the right intention—purification, self-control, and repentance.
• Seek permission: In traditional Jain households, seek blessings from elders and request forgiveness from others (Micchami Dukkadam).
• Set a vow (Pachchakhana): Decide the duration and type of fast, and take a vow in front of a Guru, idol, or mentally.

3. During the Fast

• Engage in spiritual activities: Spend time in prayer, meditation, listening to Jain scriptures (Swadhyaya), Pratikraman (reflection), and Pooja.
• Avoid negative speech and thoughts: Focus on ahimsa (non-violence) and forgiveness.
• Limit worldly activities: Minimize distractions and routine work to focus on spiritual upliftment.

4. Breaking the Fast (Parna)

• End with humility: Break the fast with simple food, after prayers, ideally with water offered by another Jain (Satvik person).
• Gratitude and forgiveness: Offer gratitude to Tirthankaras, seek forgiveness from all, and resolve to improve further.

5. Health Considerations

• Always fast according to your physical capacity. Jainism emphasizes the intent and spiritual effort, not just the physical act.

Important Notes

• Parushan lasts 8 days for Shwetambar Jains and 10 days (Das Lakshan) for Digambar Jains.
• Fasting is a personal and voluntary vow (Anushthan), not compulsory.
• Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with health issues may choose milder forms of fasting.

References

• Jain Agamas and scriptures (e.g., Kalpasutra)
• Jain Acharyas’ teachings on Parushan

May your Parushan bring spiritual upliftment, forgiveness, and peace. Michhami Dukkadam!