Rules during fast of paryushan

During Paryushan, which is one of the most important Jain festivals, fasting (upvaas) and spiritual practices are highly emphasized. There are specific rules and guidelines followed by Jains during fasting in Paryushan, based on Jain scriptures and traditions. Here are the main rules:

1. Types of Fasts

• Upvaas: Complete fast, only drinking boiled water (and that too only during daylight hours).
• Ekasana: Eating only once a day.
• Byasana: Eating twice a day, but with restrictions.
• Varsitap, Attham, Atthai, etc.: Special types of fasts observed by some.

2. General Rules During Fasting

• No Food Intake: For those observing complete fast, no solid or liquid food except boiled water is allowed.
• Boiled Water Only: Water should be boiled (preferably the previous day or at least filtered and boiled), and consumed only between sunrise and sunset.
• No Eating After Sunset: Even those not fasting completely avoid eating or drinking anything after sunset.
• No Green Vegetables or Root Vegetables: Many avoid green leafy vegetables and root vegetables during Paryushan.
• No Spices and Stimulants: Avoid items like garlic, onion, honey, fermented foods, or stimulants like tea, coffee, etc.

3. Spiritual Rules

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): Extra care is taken to avoid harming even the smallest forms of life.
• Satya (Truthfulness): Speak truth and avoid negative speech.
• Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Minimize needs and desires.
• Brahmacharya (Celibacy): Practice celibacy and maintain purity in thoughts, speech, and action.

4. Conduct and Practices

• Daily Prayers: Engage in prayers, chanting, and reading Jain scriptures (like Kalpasutra).
• Repentance: Perform Pratikraman (ritual of repentance and self-reflection) daily.
• Forgiveness: Ask for forgiveness (Kshamapana) from all beings.
• Charity: Practice charity and help others.
• Restrain from worldly activities: Minimize involvement in business, entertainment, and socializing.

5. Mental and Social Discipline

• Control of Senses: Restrain from sensory pleasures.
• Avoid Anger and Ego: Maintain humility and patience.
• Peaceful Environment: Stay in calm surroundings and avoid violent or disturbing media.

6. Breaking the Fast

• Parna: The fast is traditionally broken after sunrise, with boiled water or a simple meal, usually after seeking blessings and performing prayers.
• Blessings: It's customary to seek blessings from monks, elders, and family before and after the fast.

Summary

The essence of fasting during Paryushan is not just physical abstinence from food, but spiritual upliftment, self-control, and purification of the soul. The rules are meant to help Jains focus on self-discipline, forgiveness, and spiritual progress.

If you need detailed guidelines for a specific type of fast or sect (Shwetambar or Digambar), please specify.