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MANAV DHARMA / 55 Now those devotees, who are seeking spiritual upliftment, try utmost to observe Prosodhopvasa which means the devotee should take meals only once on the 7th day- abstaining from evening meals and on the 8th day is Asthami, he will observe complete fast and again on ninth, he will take only morning meals- that all this process will be followed as prescribed in Jain Scriptures. Thus abstaining from meals for four continuous times comes under the vow of PROSODHOPAVASA. It is also essential that all the house hold activities along with meals for four times, should be avoided - No performance or indulgance in homely affairs is allowed on this day.
पञ्चानां पापानामलं - क्रियारम्भगन्धपुष्पाणाम | स्नानाञ्जननस्याना - मुपवासे परिहृतिं कुर्यात् ॥१०७॥
Explanation :
On the day of fasting one should refrain from the five kinds of sins (Himsa and the like) personal adornments, undertakings, scents, flowers, bathing, Collyrium and fragrant things.
Description :
Generally a Jain householder follows abstainment from five sins, but on the day of observing fast the abstainment is must. There should be ne conversation, no discussion and no direction to others relating to such five sins
There should be no undertaking of any kind of trade, no personal adornment, no use of scents and oil, no wearing of flower garlands, no bathing, no tooth pasting and collyrium etc. and every effort should be made to refrain from all these and other sinful activities on the day of observing Prosodhapavasa vrata. On the day of fasting even mouth gargles are prohibited as pointed out by shri Indra Nandi in his "Principles of Conduct" Scripture.
धर्मामृतं सतृष्णः श्रवणाभ्यां पिबतु पाययेद्वान्यान् । ज्ञान-ध्यान- परो वा भव तूप वसन्न - तन्द्रालुः ॥ १०८ ॥
Explanation :
The day of fasting should be spent in hearing and reciting scriptures and religious as well as spiritual meditation generally. Conquering laziness, one should on the occasion of fasting, spend one's time in drinking with one's ears and with great eagerness, the nectar of 'Dharma' (Scripture) and in giving it to others to drink (and should oneself) in holy meditation.
