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Aptavani-4
legs. Do not sit with a book, keep saying "Dada," but not out loud; just in your head. In your mind, keep reciting Dada's name. Just doing one of these agiyaras, will benefit you completely. However, on the contrary, when these people do agiyaras they stuff themselves even more on that day, with moriyo (special grain), laddu, puri fried in ghee, kadhee and a variety of vegetables (shaak).
Questioner: What does one get out of doing penance, fasting and aayambil (Jain practice of eating bland food just once a day)?
Dadashri: It purifies the body and the mind. At times, it can improve the speech or sometimes even ruin it. If you asked someone to speak after he had dined well, on a full stomach he may not even be able to. And on the other hand, if his stomach was empty, he would show signs of anguish!
Aayambil: A Scientific Process
Questioner: How old is the practice of aayambil? Does it date back to the time of Lord Mahavir?
Dadashri: Aayambil is a science. It goes back to the time of Lord Rushabhdev. It is not for the purpose of attaining the Atma (Self), but for the body's benefit. It serves to keep the body healthy. Anyone whose body has toxicity or who does not keep well, should do aayambil. It should be done systematically. You should only eat one staple food, which is one staple grain, and nothing else. Aayambil is considered very practical and correct. 'This' is the only 'chamber' from the Lord Tirthankar's palace that is still standing today. Everything else has collapsed into ruins.
Questioner: In the aayambil, the rituals they perform, the prayer beads they do and all that, is all of that considered right?
Dadashri: There is no connection with aayambil and
