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those rituals. That is something completely different. Aayambil only means that you should eat just one type of grain, only just once a day, and keep reciting the Lord's mantras that is all. You can still say that you have practiced aayambil if you just eat one type of grain just once a day, even if you do not chant the Lord's name. Even Muslims can do that. Just to sustain yourself with eating just one kind of grain, is an enormous physical penance (tapa). It is the best way to rid the body of all kinds of toxins. It was the Tirthankar Lords who made this scientific discovery. That is why I tell all those who are Jain, that they are so fortunate to have retained this science. Even today people eat just one kind of grain and stay healthy. Many skin diseases are cured with aayambil. It is beneficial for vitiligo as well.
Questioner: Many people have been doing aayambil for years and years. What is the benefit in that?
Dadashri: Aayambil is only beneficial if it is practiced for a certain period of time. It is detrimental if it is prolonged over an extensive period of time. It will create deficiencies in vitamins and other nutrients that the body requires. Everything needs to be within normality.
Applied Awareness While Fasting
Questioner: What is it when people fast for three days, nine days, one month, three months?
Dadashri: Fasting is a good thing, but it is for those who have eaten too much. Why should those unfortunate ones, whose food is rationed, have to fast? The Lord has not said anything wrong when he said to fast. He said, “You may fast, but if at the end of your fasting you do not find the Atma, then the fasting was done in vain.' If at the end of your fasting period, you do not have the awareness of the Self (Atma), then you will reap some benefits in the worldly life (sansar)
