In Jainism, Biyashna Vidhi (sometimes spelled as "Byashna Vidhi" or "Vyashna Vidhi") refers to the rules and procedures regarding eating and the intake of food, especially for monks, nuns, and devout lay followers (śrāvakas and śrāvikās). This vidhi is a part of Jain discipline to minimize violence (ahimsa) and maintain spiritual purity.

Key Points of Biyashna Vidhi:

1. Preparation of Food:

Food must be prepared with utmost care to avoid harm to living beings. Ideally, food should be prepared fresh, with minimal use of fire and water to avoid killing microorganisms.

1. Timing:

Jains, especially those observing strict vows, eat only during daylight hours. Eating after sunset is prohibited to avoid inadvertently consuming insects or microorganisms.

1. Selection of Food:

Root vegetables (like potato, onion, garlic) are avoided, as their harvesting kills entire plants and many small organisms. Fermented foods are also avoided.

1. Inspection:

Before eating, the food is carefully inspected to ensure it is free from insects or other living beings.

1. Intention and Mindfulness:

The eater must be in a peaceful state of mind, free from anger or negative emotions. Food is accepted as alms (for monks/nuns) or with gratitude (for laypersons).

1. Offering and Rituals:

Some sects perform rituals or prayers before eating, expressing gratitude and remembering the teachings of the Tirthankaras.

1. Utensils and Cleanliness:

Strict hygiene is maintained. Monks and nuns often use specially designated utensils, sometimes carrying their own, to avoid contamination.

1. Portion and Waste:

Only as much as needed is taken. Wastage of food is discouraged, as it implies disregard for the resources and life involved in producing the food.

1. Sharing:

Sharing food with other living beings (like animals or the needy) is encouraged as an act of compassion.

Purpose

The main purpose of Biyashna Vidhi is to practice ahimsa (non-violence) to the highest degree, maintain discipline, and cultivate mindfulness and detachment from sensual pleasures (aparigraha).

In Summary

Biyashna Vidhi is a comprehensive set of guidelines in Jainism for the preparation, handling, and consumption of food, rooted in the core principles of non-violence, purity, and spiritual discipline. It is especially significant for ascetics but is also followed, to varying degrees, by lay practitioners.