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## The Method of Observing the Paushdha Vrat
**Meaning of Verses 85 and 86 from the Third Light of Yoga Shastra:**
**Verse 85:** Observing fasts and austerities like Chaturthabhakta and Pratyakhyana on the four festival days, abandoning evil tendencies, practicing celibacy, and abstaining from bathing, adornment, etc., is called Paushdha Vrat.
**Explanation:** The eight, fourteenth, full moon, and new moon days are called festival days. It is prescribed for the Shravak to observe Paushdha Vrat on these days. This Vrat includes fasting and other austerities, along with abstaining from sinful tendencies, practicing celibacy, and giving up bodily rituals like bathing. The word "etc." also implies abstaining from oil massage, applying henna, applying sandalwood paste, using perfumes and flowers, wearing garlands of fragrant flowers or flower ornaments on the head, wearing expensive, colorful, and flashy clothes and ornaments, and adorning and beautifying the body. One should understand that these things are also to be abandoned. Abandoning these prohibited things and accepting celibacy and austerities to strengthen one's Dharma is called Paushdha Vrat.
There are two types of Paushdha: Desha Paushdha and Sarva Paushdha. Paushdha with food is called Desha Paushdha. However, Paushdha with food is observed by abstaining from various Vikrigayi (harmful substances) and by practicing Ayambil, Ekasan, or Biyasan. Paushdha for the entire day and night is observed with complete abstinence from all four types of food, including fasting. It includes Pratyakhyana until sunrise the next day. Abstaining from sinful tendencies partially is called Desha Paushdha. It involves giving up one or two sinful activities. Abstaining from all work and activities for one day and night, including farming, employment, business, animal husbandry, and all household activities and ceremonies, is called Sarva Vyapar Paushdha. Brahmacharya Paushdha is also of two types: Desha and Sarva. Abstaining from sexual intercourse more than once is called Desha Brahmacharya Paushdha, and observing complete celibacy for the entire day and night is called Sarva Brahmacharya Paushdha. Similarly, Snaanadi Tyaga Paushdha is also of two types: Desha and Sarva. Abstaining from bodily rituals like bathing more than once is called Desha Snaanadi Paushdha, and abstaining from bathing for the entire day and night is called Sarva Paushdha.
Here, when one observes Paushdha in the form of prohibiting evil activities (sinful tendencies) partially, one may not observe Samayik, but when one observes Sarva Paushdha, then one must observe Samayik. If one does not do so, then one will be deprived of the fruits of Paushdha. Whenever one observes Sarva Paushdha, one should do so in a secluded place in the Upashraya, Jin Mandir, or at home. Before observing Paushdha Vrat, one should abandon gold, gold ornaments, flower garlands, ointments, weapons, etc., and then observe Samayik Vrat. During Paushdha, one should engage in self-study, study, teaching, reading good literature, meditating on Dharma, and contemplating on Anupreksha (feelings). One should also reflect, "Alas! I am so unfortunate that I have not yet been able to acquire the qualities of a Sadhu."
Here, one should understand this point specifically: If Paushdha Vrat is observed with food, like abstaining from food, bodily rituals, and practicing celibacy, in the form of abstaining from evil activities, i.e., with Aagaras (possessions), then observing Samayik is meaningful, otherwise not. Because the rules of Paushdha are gross in nature, with possessions, while the rules of Samayik are subtle. Although it is necessary to completely abandon sinful activities (tendencies) in Paushdha, one does not benefit from it without observing Samayik. Therefore, one should observe Samayik along with Paushdha. If a Shravak Samachari observes Paushdha like Samayik, with the aforementioned two Karana and three Yoga, then the function of Samayik is fulfilled by Paushdha itself. Observing Samayik separately does not yield special benefits. However, if the Shravak intends to observe both Paushdha and Samayik Vrat, then he receives the benefits of both.
**Verse 86:** Even those who are householders are blessed, who observe the sacred Paushdha Vrat, which is difficult to observe, like a sieve.
**Meaning:**
1. Currently, Paushdha is observed with food, Desha, and Sarva. The rest of the Sarva Paushdha is observed only with Sarva. And at least Ekasana is observed.
**Note:** The translation attempts to preserve the Jain terms while conveying the meaning clearly.