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## The Nature of Nirjara Bhavana Tapa
**Fourth Prakash of Yoga Shastra, Verse 89 Commentary:**
1. **Anashan (Fasting):** There are two types of fasting: one for a limited time and the other for life.
* **Limited Time Anashan:** This type of fasting ranges from a simple Namaskara (prayer) to a six-month continuous fast, as per the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir. In the time of Shri Rishabhdev, it could be for a year, and for the 22 Tirthankaras in between, it could be for eight months.
* **Lifelong Anashan:** This has three types: Padpogamana, Ingini, and Bhaktapratyakhyan.
* **Padpogamana:** This has two sub-types: with and without suffering. When a sadhak (practitioner) is suffering from a disease at the end of their life, they can choose to fast and die, which is considered Padpogamana with suffering. The other type, without suffering, is when a sadhak, having taught their disciple about the principles of acceptance and service, having followed the Gachch (spiritual lineage) diligently, and having practiced Ugravihar (intense spiritual practice), feels ready for Samadhi-maran (death in meditation) due to their advanced age. They then choose a place free from living beings and remain still like a tree, their mind focused on meditation until their life force departs.
* **Ingini:** This is a specific type of fasting, as described in the scriptures, involving specific actions. The sadhak, knowing their remaining lifespan, chooses a secluded place and renounces all four types of food. They move from shade to sunlight and sunlight to shade, remaining mindful and focused on meditation until they attain Samadhi.
* **Bhaktapratyakhyan:** In this type, the sadhak remains within the Gachch-Sampradaya (spiritual community), lays down a soft Santhara (bed), renounces attachment to their body and possessions, and rejects all four types of food. They may receive Namaskara mantra (prayer) from other sadhus or offer service. They may change positions as needed and accept death in Samadhi.
2. **Unodari:** This is a type of tapa where one consumes less than what is required for the stomach, meaning the stomach is kept "un-full". The action or feeling associated with this is "Aunaadarya" (lack of desire for food). There are four types:
* **Alpahar-Unodari:** Consuming only eight kaur (mouthfuls) of food.
* **Aparadh-Unodari:** Consuming around twelve kaur.
* **Ardh-Unodari:** Consuming sixteen kaur.
* **Prapt-Aahar-Se-Kuch-Kam-Unodari:** Consuming slightly less than the usual amount of food, which is considered to be thirty-two kaur for men.
* **Note:** The kaur should be of medium size, excluding the very large and very small ones. One should consume food according to the size of their mouth, avoiding any distortion.
* **Variations:** Each of these types can have further variations by reducing the kaur by one each time.
* **Women:** The usual amount of food for women is considered to be twenty-eight kaur. The same principles of Unodari apply to women, with the appropriate adjustments.
3. **Vrittisankshep:** This refers to reducing one's livelihood to a minimum. It involves limiting one's possessions to a specific amount, such as one, two, or three houses, or limiting one's activities to a specific area, such as a neighborhood, village, or half a village. This limitation can also be applied to material possessions, territory, time, and emotions.
4. **Rasparityaag:** This refers to renouncing substances that nourish the body and tissues. These substances are considered "Viggai" or "Vikritik" in the scriptures, as they can lead to imbalances. This includes alcohol, meat, honey, butter, ghee, milk, yogurt, oil, jaggery, sweets, and other delicacies.
5. **Kayaklesh:** This refers to enduring physical hardship for the sake of Dharma (righteousness), as described in the Agamas (ancient scriptures). Some may question how the body, being inanimate, can experience hardship. The answer is that the body and the soul are inseparable, like milk and water. Therefore, the soul's suffering can be considered as the body's suffering.
**Note:** These four types of tapa are considered "Mahaviggai" (major austerities) and should be completely renounced.