YJA Convention 1996 07 San Francisco CA Second

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

Page 47

3. Eat a restricted number of varieties at a mealtime. 4. No eating or drinking after sunset. 5. Not overeating at any mealtime.
You can choose your own fast and must define it in advance in the enclosed questionnaire.
Paryushana is the holiest festival in the Jain calendar and any other spiritual activities will only help your fasting e.g. doing yoga; pratikramna; reading religious books; etc.
Please complete and return the following questionnaire at the end of the experiment and do make every effort to attend the follow-up discussion. You will find that your knowledge and understanding of Jainism improves after the experience.
Questionnaire
Before Experiment
1. Explain your method of fasting in detail:
After Experiment
2. What particular features of this experiment did you find useful? 3. What aspects did you find difficult or impractical? 4. What is your opinion on the Jain principle of tapas?
Results of Experiments
1. Methods of fasting
These varied widely from person to person but most people had done some form of fasting. Some ate only once a day throughout the eight days, some twice a day, and some even did upvases (total fast except for pre-boiled water).
Many did not define the fasts precisely in advance. Some varied methods as they went along. It was pointed out that this is not advisable as it makes one deviate from having a proper controlled experience after the use of one precise method. It is not right to change the vow depending on one's mood.
2. Useful features of the experiment
These are some of the quotes from the participants:
Helps in developing willpower and self-discipline. Saves time otherwise spent on cooking! Helps to better appreciate meals. Identifies overeating much more easily - the stomach gives clear signals.
Training for a possible future food shortages! • Gives feelings of lightness in the body and generally improved health.
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Jain Education Intemational