________________
MANAV DHARMA / 87 days, month by month, not shrinking from exercising the power of his soul to the full - such a house holder is called a "PROSADHANSANAH SRAVAKA" Description :
As already explained previously the Samayika Pratimadhari deeply meditates on the feelings of equanimity thrice a day and while doing other works of worldly life, he keeps on remembering this equanimity in his contemplation. He is always desirous of getting leave from the worldly attachment and would like to devote much of his time in Samayika- self contemplation. Only due to these feelings, he considers atleast two minimum days for holidays and while stopping all other activities he tries to devote most of his time in the study of this equanimity during these two days of holidays. Proshad Parva has been called a day of regular study of a day or holiday and UPVASA is the name of equanimity or spiritual peace. When the activity of mind, body and speech along with the senses is diverted from all worldly activities and when mental peace is maintained that is called Upavasa. For the observance of this Upavasa two days in a fortnightAshthami and chaturdashi the 8th day and the 14th day - have been decided according to the instructions given in Holy scriptures (Aagam). These two days are the days for rest and holiday. Now on preceeding day i.e. 7th and 13th (the sapatmi and Trayodashi) the observer gladly stops every activity from the middle of the day, so that he can make his mind free from all perturbedness and stops all eating and drinking and professional activities since after twelve O'clock on the day of sapatami and Trayodashi. He observes complete fast on Asthami and chaturdashi and again on the 9th and 15th day. he keeps fast up to early middle of the day. During this period, he discards all worldly activities and attachments - may be of any importance - and performs self-contemplation.
Prosodha Upvasa is observed both by the fourth class vrati and the Votaries of preceeding classes of pratimas but there is the difference in their observation of the prosodhopvasa. Suppose the second pratimadhari votary is also observing Proshodha Upvasa and if any important work comes in the mind or in his thinking, then he is allowed to complete that important work. For example, he has forgotton to put double lock on the shop, then he is permitted to go and put the double lock and can again start the observance of proshodhopvasa. But if he is a votary of III Rank (Samayika) he will not do such activity as he has not been allowed in Holy scriptures and by Holy Preceptors to go astray for worldly attachments. The observer will keep patience, no matter he may have to bear a great
