Consuming coffee during paryushan parv is wrong
Short answer: Yes—during Paryushan (Shwetambar) and Das‑Lakshan (Digambar), drinking coffee is discouraged.
Why:
- Austerity and non‑attachment: Paryushan is for tapas, samayik, pratikraman, and reducing rāga–dveṣa. Coffee is a stimulant that excites the mind and fuels taste‑attachment (rasa‑asakti), which goes against the spirit of the vrata.
- Rasa‑tyāga and simplicity: Many observe ayambil/ekāsan or upvās. Coffee (often with milk/sugar/spices) breaks simplicity and violates ayambil norms. In strict observance or upvās, only boiled water in daylight is allowed—coffee is not permitted.
- Apramāda (carefulness): Avoiding addictions (vyasan) like tea/coffee is advised to keep vigilance and equanimity.
Sect notes:
- Shwetambar Paryushan: Emphasis on boiled water only during daylight; stimulants like tea/coffee are avoided.
- Digambar Das‑Lakshan: Focus on kṣamā, mārdava, ārjava, etc., with vrata and rasa‑parityāga; tea/coffee is typically given up.
Recommended practice:
- Abstain from coffee for the entire festival. If there is dependence, take pachchakkhān (vow) to leave it for these days and prefer only boiled, filtered water in daylight. This preserves the purity of tapas and aids sādhana.
For a simple checklist of Paryushan fasting rules and what to avoid: