Ekāśan (one-sitting, one-meal) is a simple vrata of eating only once in the day, at one place and in one sitting, with inner restraint and devotion. Basic, tradition-safe way to do it:

1) Make a vow (pachchakkhān)

• In the morning, resolve: “Today I will do ekāśan,” avoiding all food outside that one sitting.
• Bow to the Arihantas and recite Navkār Mantra.

2) Time

• Take the single meal in daylight only.
• Finish well before sunset.
• Do not eat again that day.

3) Place and posture

• Eat at one clean place, in one continuous sitting (no getting up and resuming).
• Maintain quietude and attention; avoid phone/talk/distraction.

4) Food discipline

• Take all items you intend to eat at once (no re-serving).
• Eat pure Jain food only; avoid tasting, picking, or changing dishes mid‑way.
• Avoid stimulants or “snack-like” items (tea, coffee, sweets, mouth fresheners) outside the sitting; they break ekāśan.
• Water: take only boiled/cooled water, and only in daytime. Many follow taking water with the meal (follow your sect’s maryādā).

5) Bhāvanā during the meal

• Begin with Navkār Mantra and a brief prayer of gratitude and non‑violence.
• Eat mindfully, without attachment/aversion, keeping compassion for all beings.

6) After the meal

• Do brief kāyotsarga (stillness) and recall the purpose of restraint.
• No further eating for the rest of the day.

Atichārs (faults) to avoid

• Changing place or posture to “continue” eating later.
• Taking any edible/drinkable (other than permitted boiled water by day) outside the sitting.
• Asking for refills or adding items after starting.
• Casual talking, entertainment, or carelessness that disturbs mindfulness.

Notes by tradition

• Śvetāmbara: Commonly called “Ekāśan”; emphasis on one place/one sitting, items placed at once, boiled water by day.
• Digambara: Often termed “Eka‑bhukti”; likewise one daylight meal; milk/curd etc. count as food and are avoided outside the sitting; boiled water typically only by day.

Follow the specific maryādā taught by your guru/saṅgh.

Essence Ekāśan is not only about fewer calories; it is saṃyam (restraint) and apramāda (carefulness) that purify bhāva (inner state). Keep humility, gratitude, and ahiṃsā at the center.