The eight days of fasting are very important for Jains. This is Paryushan.
Jains particpate in this,
to completely clean their heart and soul from greed, dirt and lies.
When people fast for these eight days,
they are supposed to,
not get angry, not lie,
the ego must be kept at bay and there must be no greed.
Do you know why Jains fast during Paryushan?
Let me tell you.
There are different types of fasts.
People may chose how they want to fast.
Jains fast from sunrise to sunset without eating for eight days.
They only drink water which is boiled from sunrise to sunset.
Once the sunsets, they are not supposed to drink water. Coconut water or any kind of juices
are not allowed. They can drink only boiled water.
Secondly, Ekashna - they can eat only once a day.
Jains must sit cross-legged and eat. Once they finish their meal they can get up.
After that they are not permitted to eat.
Besana - Some may eat twice a day. They can sit and have a meal once and the second time
they can eat towards the end of the day.
Ambel - However they can only eat till the sun is up.
Once the sunsets, they not supposed to eat.
There must be no salt in the food and the food must simply cooked.
All of this helps to feel better and keep the mind at peace.
It ensures focus and keeps the mind away from shopping, money, business, etc.
These eight days are break from daily life. We are supposed to focus on going to temples,
Pratikraman, read scriptures and strive towards the feeling of peace.
We must introspect over our past mistakes and leave them behind.
Moving forward we must become better humans and improve our behaviour to make our life better.
This will be through prayers during these days.
By following the rules of the fast, we will attain Nirvana after death
and escape being reincarnated again.
Visiting the temple and praying during Paryushan,
Pratikraman and reading holy scriptures
will help in a person's development.
There are a list of Dos and Don'ts one must follow while fasting.
Let me tell about what you must do.
During Paryushan, you must go to temple & do puja,
read the scriptures for at least 15 mins or discuss religion with friends.
During Paryushan you can observe fast by Ekashna, Beshna or Ambel, but it is a must.
Meditate for 5 mins and you will feel at peace.
Whenever anyone is in need of help, we must work to help them.
Charity is a must.
The Don'ts are.
Shopping is not allowed, cutting plants and plucking flowers is also not allowed.
Walking on grass is not allowed as well.
Sleeping with your spouse during this time is not permitted.
Eating outside at a restaurant, fighting, getting into arguments, watching TV
and many other activities are not allowed.
The last day of Paryushan is Samvatsari, which is extremely important.
Everyone has to observe a fast on this day.
Pratikraman on this day helps us become a better person.
If we have wronged anyone or if anyone has ever hurt us,
we must forgive others and ask for forgiveness as well.
This is extremely important.
It helps us become better human beings. Its very important.
After Samvatsari Pratikraman use the phrase 'Michami Dukkaram.'
It means asking for an apology from strangers, friends or family.
It means we all must apologise to one another, inorder to maintain a strong bond
and make sure the mistake is not repeated again.
This helps to better our lives.