Ekasana means eating one meal a day, in one sitting, during daylight, with mindfulness and self-control. It is practiced by many Shvetambar Jains (and sometimes Digambar Jains) as a form of vrata to develop discipline and non-violence toward all beings.

How to do it (basic steps)

• Purity and intention: wake before sunrise, bathe, offer a short prayer or reflection, and take the Pachchakkhan (a vow) that today you will observe Ekasana—one meal in one sitting, during daylight, with care and non-violence.
• Meal time: eat the single meal after sunrise and well before sunset. Do not eat again that day.
• One sitting: sit on a fixed asan/patla and finish the meal without shifting place or taking breaks. After you stand up, the Ekasana is complete.
• Food discipline: keep the meal simple and fresh, with non-violent preparation. Avoid leftovers and excessive variety; eat with awareness and without tasting while cooking; avoid nibbling before or after the meal.
• Water and other restrictions: practices about water between sunrise and sunset can vary by Digambar/Shvetambar tradition and personal vow level. Some observe limited or boiled water only within the daytime window; others may have stricter rules. If you are new to Ekasana, start with the basic rule of one meal and consult your local elders or guru for the exact water rules in your community. You may read more about practical guidelines here and here.

Key notes

• Ekasana is often chosen on special days (like Paryushan or personal vows) or as part of a regular spiritual routine. Some prefer to do it daily; others on certain Auspicious days. You can read more about the context here.
• If you want a quick comparison with other fasting forms, you can see how ekasana is distinct from biyasan (two meals) and other upavasa practices here.

If you have a specific tradition (Digambar or Shvetambar) or a particular day in mind, I can tailor the steps to fit that practice.