Answer

In Jain Dharma, Tela usually means a three-day fast.

It is commonly understood as:

• Upvas for 3 consecutive days
• No food for three days
• Often done with boiled water only, according to one’s capacity and tradition

In Jain language, it is called:

• Tela
• Tridivasik Upvas — three-day fast
• In Prakrit-style usage, the idea relates to three-day fasting tapa

Is Tela associated with Ratnatraya?

Yes, Tela can be spiritually connected with Ratnatraya, but it is not exactly the same thing as Ratnatraya.

Ratnatraya means the Three Jewels of Jain Dharma:

• Samyak Darshan — Right Faith
• Samyak Jnan — Right Knowledge
• Samyak Charitra — Right Conduct

A Tela is a form of tapa — austerity. If done with the right inner feeling, it supports Samyak Charitra, and it can help purify the soul by reducing attachment to food, body, and worldly desires.

Explanation

The word Tela refers to the number three in this context. That is why a fast of three days is called Tela.

In Jain practice, Tela may be performed:

• During Paryushan or Das Lakshan
• As part of personal tapa
• With pratikraman, samayik, swadhyay, japa, and meditation
• For self-purification, not for showing pride or gaining praise

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, fasting is not only about not eating. The deeper purpose is:

• To control the senses
• To reduce attachment
• To develop inner discipline
• To practice forgiveness, humility, and awareness
• To move closer to the path of liberation

So, a Tela becomes spiritually meaningful when it is joined with:

• Right faith
• Right understanding
• Right conduct
• Peaceful thoughts
• Non-violence in mind, speech, and action

Takeaway

Tela is a three-day Jain fast. It is a form of tapa, and when practiced with pure intention, it supports the path of Ratnatraya — Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jnan, and Samyak Charitra.