What is unodhri? Is it an abhyantar tap?
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Answer
Unodari or Unodhari means eating less than one’s full appetite.
Yes, Unodari is an Abhyantar Tap in Jain Dharma.
Explanation
In Jainism, Abhyantar Tap means internal austerity. Traditionally, there are six Abhyantar Taps:
- Prāyaścitta – repentance or atonement
- Vinaya – humility and reverence
- Vaiyāvṛtya – service to saints and worthy beings
- Svādhyāya – study of scriptures
- Vyutsarga – detachment from the body
- Dhyāna – meditation
However, Unodari is generally classified under Bahya Tap, not Abhyantar Tap.
There are also six Bahya Taps, and Unodari is one of them:
- Anashan – fasting
- Unodari – eating less than needed
- Vritti-sankshep – limiting food items or sources
- Rasa-tyag – giving up tasty foods
- Kaya-klesh – physical endurance
- Sanlinata – withdrawal or solitude
Spiritual Understanding
Unodari helps reduce attachment to food and taste. It supports self-control, alertness, and discipline. The aim is not to harm the body, but to weaken craving and strengthen awareness.
Takeaway
Unodari means eating less than full hunger. It is a recognized Jain austerity, but it is classified as a Bahya Tap, not an Abhyantar Tap.