Mahavira Ka Tap Aur Uska Vaigyanik Rahasya

This document, "Mahavira ka Tap aur Uska Vaigyanik Rahasya" (Lord Mahavir's Austerities and Their Scientific Secret) by Nandighoshvijay, explores the profound ascetic practices of Lord Mahavir and their scientific underpinnings, as understood within Jainism. The text highlights how these practices, far from being mere rituals, are deeply rooted in principles of health and well-being.

The book details the extensive austerities undertaken by Lord Mahavir for twelve years, six months, and fifteen days. These include a six-month fast without water, another of almost six months, nine four-month fasts, two three-month fasts, two two-and-a-half-month fasts, six two-month fasts, two 45-day fasts, twelve one-month fasts, seventy-two 15-day fasts, twelve "Atthama" (three-day fasts), 229 "Chhatta" (two-day fasts), a "Sarvatobhadra Pratima" of ten days, a "Mahabhadra Pratima" of four days, a "Bhadra Pratima" of two days, and a one-day fast on the day of his initiation. The text suggests that these rigorous practices serve as inspiration for many Jains today, with the ultimate goal of attaining liberation (Moksha).

The document then delves into the scientific rationale behind several Jain ascetic practices:

• Abstinence from Night Meals: This practice is explained from a physiological perspective. During the night, physical activity decreases, slowing down digestion. This can lead to indigestion and gas. Furthermore, the absence of sunlight at night allows for the proliferation of micro-organisms in food and the environment. Sunlight's purifying properties are emphasized, and the text advises eating meals 48 minutes after sunrise and 48 minutes before sunset to avoid insects active during dawn and dusk.

• Viyasana (Limited Eating): This practice involves eating only twice a day, with a complete abstinence from night meals and even water at night. Drinking boiled water during the day is prescribed, which helps prevent waterborne diseases by eliminating microorganisms.

• Ekasan (One Meal a Day): Eating a single, balanced meal a day provides the body's digestive system with complete rest at night. This reduces the need for blood and oxygen, lessening the strain on the heart and lungs, leading to better rest and morning vitality. Both Viyasana and Ekasan emphasize the consumption of Sattvic (pure, balanced, and nutritious) food while avoiding impure, unhealthy, or Tamasic (aggravating for passions) foods, thereby preventing related health issues.

• Ayambil (One Meal of Dry Food): This is a specific form of austerity where only one dry meal is consumed during the day. It involves abstaining from milk, curd, ghee, jaggery, sugar, oil, sweets, and even spices and salt. This practice is believed to help in gaining control over the tongue, which then extends to the other four senses and subsequently to the four passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed) and the mind. This control leads to reduced karmic accumulation and increased shedding of karma, facilitating liberation. Scientifically, Ayambil is said to pacify Kapha (phlegm) and Pitta (bile) by avoiding Kapha-producing foods like dairy and sugar, and Pitta-aggravating foods like green vegetables. Ayurveda is cited, stating that imbalances in Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are the root of all diseases. The text recommends Ayambil for five or twelve days a month, and specifically for nine days each in the months of Chaitra and Ashoj, which are transitional seasons prone to illness.

• Upavasa (Fasting): Fasting is presented as a unique and essential Jain practice, categorized into two types: Tivihar (allowing boiled water from 10 am to sunset) and Chovihar (complete abstinence from food and water). A Jain fast typically begins the evening before and concludes the morning of the third day, totaling 36 hours. Fasting is described as a means of self-purification and detoxification, eliminating waste from the body, balancing Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and expelling excess bile or phlegm. The text recommends at least one fast every fifteen days or once a month.

In conclusion, the document asserts that practices like abstaining from night meals, Viyasana, Ekasan, Ayambil, and Upavasa, as prescribed in Jainism, are scientifically validated from the perspectives of health and physiology, offering not only spiritual benefits but also significant advantages for physical well-being. The concluding quote by Fritjof Capra subtly links these Eastern philosophies to a broader understanding of timeless, intuitive knowledge, hinting at deeper, non-rational connections.