What is 8 upwas anumodan
Anumodhan (anumodana) literally means the joyful approval or encouragement given by a guru, elder monk, or respected community member when a practitioner undertakes a vow or austerity. When people speak of “8 upwas anumodan,” they are referring to the anuodhan that accompanies the eight upvas (fasting observances). In practice:
- Upvas is the vow to fast or observe a particular Jain austerity for a period or on specific days.
- Anumodhan is the act of blessing, approving, and encouraging that vow, written or spoken by a qualified spiritual teacher or elder.
- The exact forms of the eight upvas and how the anumodhan is given can vary between Digambar and Shvetambar traditions, with each tradition detailing its own lists and procedures for these eight upvas.
If you’d like, I can look for a precise description of the eight upvas and their anumodhan from Jain scriptures or from Jain Knowledge pages.