Jainism Abroad

Author(s): Pratap J Tolia
Publisher: Vardhaman Bharati International Foundation

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germs and insects, we will be protected from several poisonous insects and their effects also. Diseases like indigestionand others will remain away from us. The White and Red cells in our blood will remain in balanced harmony and sex energy will be preserved. This will elevate advanced Seeker to Self Realisation. SLEEPLESSNESS, which is a
common complaint of modern times, will be nowhere and one will get sound sleep and longevity.
"Not only the Jain Tirthankaras and Seers, but also the Rishis have rightly stated in the Puranas and Ayurveda abandoning eating at nights. I shall quote a few : (1) Maharshi Markendaya Says,
"After the setting of the Sun, the Water is said to be like Blood and food like meat..... and hence they are not worth-eating or drinking....." (2) The Rishi of Karma Purana emphasises in Adhyaya 27 :
"Several JIVAS are being destroyed and gross Violence takes place by eating in the night. Not to eat during night. Not to drink during night. To meditate in the night. The night is meant for Meditation." (3) The Ayurveda minutely puts forth the following mystical reason:
"After the Sunset, both the lotuses of Heart and 'Nabhi' get closed. For these reasons as well as for the reason of subtle insects being consumed with foodstuffs, AVOID NIGHT-EATING".
"These valuable sayings of the Ayurveda and Puranas justify and strengthen the Cent-present true observations and expressions of Jain Seers and Tirthankaras, not only from Health & Hygenic points of views, but also from the Spiritual and Yogic points of views. "AHIMSA PARAMO DHARMA" : The Supreme Religion of Non-Violence too is advocated by them, since Non-Violence, AHIMSA, is the core, central point, of Spirituality and Life's Totality. Jaina Seers have further stressed the importance of abandoning night-eating for higher Yogic attainment and Spiritual progress. The abovereferred Ayurvedic saying has indicated about the existence of various 'Lotuses' (which are called 'chakras' also in Yogic language) in human body, which gets closed with the setting of the Sun, juat as the normal Lotuses in the Ponds. Now whatever eaten or drunk after the Sunset, do not allow or enable these Lotuses or Chakras to open or develop (through the process of Meditation) till the morning or even thereafter, thus blockng the path of Self-realisation......!
"Thus you can see how tremendously Night-Eatings block the spiritual progress !
"The other important thing is, as indicated here above also, the utilisation of valuable time after the Sunset in Meditation, for which it is meant. After the hectic activity of the DAY, everyone should sit down to MEDITATE for one's own betterment. Even in present busy and running life, there is no go if one wants to attain the goal of this PRECIOUS HUMAN LIFE before DEATH knocks one's doors without any prior Notice....."
This Spiritual aim should be above all. Next to it, Psychological or Mental Peace is also attained in abundance by avoiding night meals. Socially too, the ladies get rid of the prisons of kitchens and can concentrate on their social and family ties. Culturally also one gets enough leisure time to pursue his/her artistic endeavours when free from night diversions of eatings and drinkings.... the nuisances of Modern life. "Aesthetically noticing, don't you feel that your home really shines like a heaven when you have done away with all activities and engagements pertaining to cooking and washing etc.,? Tell me, now how do you find the abandoning of
NIGHT EATINGS from all points of views......?" "Fantastic and worth-practising.....!" They all sounded with great joy and enthusiasm.
The Children went one step ahead and resolved. "We will begin from right now... we will scrap our tonight's Supper, uncle !"
"Many many congratulations, compliments and blessings, my dear Children ! As a reward I shall tell you a beautiful story, a true story of Night-eating-avoiding benefits, before I go for my meditation and sleep." I joyously said and started telling the story.