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Detachment. Vyutsarga means renunciation of external and internal 'possessions: property, wealth and the like are external possessions, whereas pride, anger, deceit and greed are internal possessions. Meditation. Dhyaana aids in the realisation of the 'self and purification of the soul. It is described in detail in next chapter.
The external and internal austerities help an individual to progress towards the chosen goal of controlling desires and freeing oneself from attraction and aversion. Laypersons are encouraged to observe them according to their ability.
Austerities in daily practice
We shall now describe Jain fasting practices in daily use and some important ones undertaken on occasions. Fasting helps self-control, to create positive health and sound mind, but it should be practised according to one's ability. Fasting can make the body weak, infirm and withered, but it helps the mind to be spiritually active. During fasting one should practise meditation, and keep oneself engrossed in devotional activities, reading scriptures, holy recitations, and similar spiritually uplifting activities. In fasting, except the optional taking of boiled water during daylight hours, nothing is imbibed including brushing the teeth or gargling. Ascetics drink only boiled water throughout their lives and observe strict dietary rules.
While fasting, Jains drink only boiled water and, when permitted, take the appropriate Jain diet (see chapter 6.4). Water should be filtered, boiled and cooled. In addition for reasons of health, the water is boiled, to minimise violence to water-borne micro-organisms. In unboiled water, micro-organisms multiply in geometric progression. When the water is boiled, although some micro-organisms are killed, the water becomes sterile and the organisms cease to multiply. As a result, a lesser number of microorganisms are harmed when boiled water is drunk as compared to unboiled water, and also less harm is inflicted on the organisms, which would have suffered due to the contact with enzymes and acid in one's stomach.
Navakaarsi: The vow of 'forty-eight minutes fast' means that after one has fasted overnight, one waits for forty-eight minutes after sunrise before taking any food or water or brushing one's teeth or rinsing the mouth. (Forty-eight minutes or one-thirtieth day is a traditional Indian unit of time). One recites the Navakara mantra, three times before breaking the fast. There are a number of similar fasts, which differ only in time. They are: Porasi: The vow of the three hour fast'. Saadha porasi: The vow of the 'four-and-half hours fast'. Parimuddha: The vow of the six hour fast'. Avaddha: The vow of the 'eight hour fast'. Cauvihaar: This vow involves abstinence from any kind of food, drink or medicine between sunset and sunrise. Tivihaar: This vow involves taking only water at night. Duvihaar: This vow permits taking only liquids and medicines at night. Biyaasan: This vow permits taking food twice a day. Ekaasan: This vow permits taking food once a day.
Ayambil: This vow permits taking food once a day, but it requires food to be bland, boiled or cooked, and devoid of enhanced taste, milk, curds, ghee, oil, and green or
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