In Jainism, biyasan and ekasana refer to different types of meal-taking practices, especially observed during periods of fasting (vrata) or as part of daily discipline by lay followers (śrāvakas) and monks/nuns.

Ekasana (एकोशन)

• Meaning: "Eka" means one; "asana" means sitting or meal.
• Practice: Taking food only once a day, in a single sitting (without getting up or changing place).
• Details:

- The meal is taken at one time, usually before sunset. - After completing the meal, no more food is consumed for the rest of the day. - Water may be allowed, depending on the specific vow or tradition.

Biyasan (बियासन)

• Meaning: "Bi" means two; "asana" means sitting or meal.
• Practice: Taking food twice a day, in two sittings.
• Details:

- The individual can have two meals in a day, each in a single sitting. - The meals are often taken before sunset, maintaining the principle of non-violence (to avoid harm to microorganisms that become more active at night).

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Key Differences

| Aspect | Ekasana | Biyasan | |--------------|------------------------------|-----------------------------| | Meals/day | Once (one sitting/meal) | Twice (two sittings/meals) | | Spiritual Level | More stringent | Less stringent | | Fasting Level| Higher | Moderate | | Practice | Often observed on special days, by advanced practitioners, or during certain vows | Common among lay followers, especially during festivals or as daily discipline |

Purpose

Both practices are meant to:

• Control desires and discipline the mind.
• Reduce himsa (violence), especially towards microscopic life.
• Aid in spiritual progress by controlling attachment to food.

In summary:

• Ekasana = eating once a day in one sitting.
• Biyasan = eating twice a day, each in a separate sitting.

These practices are central to Jain ethical discipline and self-control.