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FROM FASTING TO FORGIVENESS
TO FREEDOM
By Shaileen L. Shah
It provides time to study and reflect on Jain Dharma - the Nature of Self. In Jain Dharma it says that the path to Moskha, Freedom is by the realisation of Three Jewels (Ratna Traya) and Penance (Tap). The Three Jewels being Samyak Darshan (Enlightened Perception), Samyak Gnan (Enlightened Knowledge) and Samyak Charitra (Enlightened Conduct).
What role does Tap (Penance) play?
The NavTattvas (Nine reals) help explain the association of Karma to the Soul and that Freedom from the cycle of life and death, Moksha (Abundant, Infinite, Eternal Bliss -Anant, Anant Sukh) can be achieved by stopping and removing Karma. Tap helps us become aware and reduce the influx (Ashrav) and binding (Bandh) of, karma and really comes into play with the shedding (Nirjara) of Karma. One of the causes of the influx of Karma are the Kashayas, the inner enemies/passions which stem from our desires of attachment and aversion (Raag and Dwesh). This is due to our senses and identifying with the body as opposed to our true nature, the Soul. Tap, which can be both internal and external, helps us to become aware of our desires and cravings, instead of having a knee jerk response to stimuli like Pavlov's dog's. Professor Padmanath Jaini states in his book (The Jaina Path to Purification) that Tap helps reduce the attachment to the body.
Fasting is an external Tap that helps awareness over the mind and senses, cravings, food and tastes. As each day goes by the cravings lessen. Upvas is a term often used to mean a fast. However the real meaning of Upvas is staying close to the Soul. Fasting is not just about not eating but more so about having the right Bhav, attitude to do the inner work so as to purify the mind, body and Soul. Tap is a tool to help us stay on the path to Moksha (Abundant, Infinite, Eternal Bliss -Anant, Anant Sukh) and develop the qualities to progress along it.
There are 12 types of Tap 6 internal and 6 external. We have said that fasting is an external type. Atonement/repentance is an internal type fostered by forgiveness, reflection and Pratikraman.
Mahatma Gandhi who was influenced by Jain Philosophy through his interaction with Shrimad Rajchandra used fasting to up-hold the principles he believed in.
Tips on how to fast successfully
• Know your reasons for fasting and write them down;
Jain Education International
• Take time out from your normal routine - book days off from work;
Make a schedule/plan of how you want to spend the time;
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Go to the various lectures during the day time and evenings;
Support from family, work, friends is really uplifting and helps you stay in sata, Read spiritually inspiring books/articles; When you are engrossed or focussed you forget to eat;
Become aware of the ego in particular when thinking that "" have done something great compared to others such as an athai (eight day fast).
Do the best you can but do something.
In summary, there are 12 types of Tap, of which one is fasting; it is an external type and another is atonement/forgiveness; an internal type. Tap helps to reduce the Karmas that we bind and in particular helps with the shedding of Karmas thereby bring us closer to Samyag Darshan and to Moksha (Abundant, Infinite, Eternal Bliss -Anant, Anant Sukh). It helps us become aware of our cravings, likes and dislikes and also the kashayas, inner enemies. During fasting we can reflect on qualities, Jain Dharma and do inner work with the right attitude, bhav, to progress along the path to Freedom. It is not just what you do but the way that you do it. Remember the story of the monks!
Michammi Dukhadum!
The content for this article was first shared as a talk at the Kshmapana Day coordinated by the Institute of Jainology and held on 14th September 2003 at the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Shaileen Shah is an active member of the dynamic organisation Young Jains, a non-profit making society dedicated to the promotion of Jain Dharma in the Western World. Within the organisation he has played many roles including those of President, VicePresident, Convention Team Leader and Newsletter Editor. He has fasted for eight days or more during Paryushan for the last 5 years. Shaileen is an eager learner and contributor who enjoys studying Jain Dharma, practising it and a sharing it. Professionally he works in IT for an investment bank. ■
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