ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 95

can exercise control and restraint in harming the plant life (cognizable by our sensual faculties). This perhaps prohibits consumption of root vegetables or plants and fruits where colonies of micro-living organism exist. Only fruits of the plants free from such considerations are prescribed for consumption. The food taken should be such that it does not enhance the violent nature (like anger, aversion, hatred etc) in the person consuming the food. Excessive consumption of dry (i.e. non oily) or spicy food; consumption of animals or their products create violent feelings. Exercise carefulness while preparing and taking food e.g. not eating after sunset as the subtle two-three sensed living beings may not be visible. Similarly exercise care to prepare the food in a clean place after carefully cleaning the food articles by known and well intentioned persons.
2.2 Non-eating One of the pillars of three components of Jain doctrine of Anekānta namely co-existence of opposites says that eating and non-eating should co-exist to practice Mokșa-mārga. Therefore, Jains lay equal importance on not eating also. The first three types of external penances are fasting, eating less than what is normal food intake and giving up one or more of the five types of tastes namely salty-sweet-oily-dry and bitter foods on specific dates and for specific periods. Jains (practicing spiritual conduct) keep fasts or eat once a day on 8th and 14th day of each fortnight, do the same on almost on all festivals and special occasions, do not eat greens during rainy season and on specified days etc. Not eating or practicing the three austerities does help the person in maintaining control over his sensual desires and perform spiritual and other worldly duties more rigorously. The community glorifies those individuals who observe the maximum number of fasts during religious festivals like Paryūṣaṇa Parva.
2.3 Food should help minimize or annihilate passions (anger, pride, deceit and greed), maximize self control over sensual pleasures and enhance the capability to observe the vow of celibacy (brahmacarya).
8 Tattvārtha-sūtra by Umāsvāti and its commentary by Pujyapāda, sūtra IX. 19: anasanavamaudaryarasaparityāga-vrttiparisamkhyāna-viviktaśayyāsana-kayaklesa bāhyam tapah.
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