Pacchakhan

This Jain text, "Pacchakhan" by Ajaysagar, from the Z_Aradhana_Ganga_009725.pdf on jainqq.org, is a guide to the practice of Pacchakhan, which in Jainism refers to vows or commitments to abstain from certain actions or items, primarily food and drink, as a form of spiritual discipline and self-purification.

The text systematically outlines various types of Pacchakhan, differentiating them based on the time of day and the extent of abstinence. It details the specific types of food and drink (Asanam, Panam, Khadim, Samim) that are renounced and the specific times or conditions under which these renunciations apply.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered:

1. Morning Pacchakhan (प्रभात के पच्चक्खाण):

• Navakarsi: Renunciation of food until the Navakarsi (a specific time after sunrise, usually around the appearance of the sun). This involves abstaining from all four types of food (Asanam, Panam, Khadim, Samim).
• Porisi / Sāddha-Porisi / Purimaddh / Avaddh: These terms refer to progressively longer periods after sunrise. The Pacchakhan is undertaken based on the sunrise and involves abstaining from all four types of food. The text lists specific conditions and exceptions under which the vow is still valid, such as "annatthana-bhogenam" (without enjoying things not meant for consumption), "sahasa-garenam" (due to suddenness), "pacchanna-kalenam" (hidden time), "disamohenam" (due to confusion of direction), "sahu-vayanenam" (as advised by a monk), "mahattara-garenam" (due to the greater vow), and "savva-samahi-vattiya-garenam" (due to the vow of complete mental peace).
• Ayambil / Nivi / Ekasana / Biyasana: These represent different types of fasting or restricted eating.
  • Ayambil: A specific type of fasting where only one meal is taken per day, and it must be prepared with minimal ingredients and without oil or ghee. The text specifies renouncing specific foods and includes further conditions and exceptions related to the preparation and consumption of food, such as "leva-leveṇam" (mixing with other substances), "gihaṭṭha-sansatheṇam" (association with householders), "ukkhiṭṭha-vivegeṇam" (discriminating with care), and "pāriṭṭhāvaṇiyā-gāreṇam" (due to abandonment).
  • Ekasana: Eating only one meal a day.
  • Biyasana: Eating only two meals a day. The text also specifies the types of food renounced (Asanam, Khadim, Samim) and various conditions and exceptions. It also mentions the renunciation of "Panassa leveṇa va, alevana va, acchēṇa va, bahalēṇa va, sasitthēṇa va, asitthēṇa va" (water with or without lepa, thick or thin, with or without an admixture).
• Tivihar Upavas / Panahar: A three-day fast.
  • Tivihar Upavas: A three-day complete fast (abstaining from all four types of food).
  • Panahar: Abstinence from all food and drink for a certain period (e.g., Porisi, Sāddha-Porisi). The text notes that the vow of abstinence from food and drink is made, with various conditions and exceptions for water as mentioned above.
• Chauvihar Upavas: A four-day complete fast (abstaining from all four types of food). The text reiterates the conditions and exceptions.

2. Evening Pacchakhan (शाम के पच्चक्खाण):

• Panahar: Renunciation of food and drink for the remainder of the day, starting from the evening. This is a common practice to conclude the day with a sense of purity. The text specifies renouncing all four types of food and lists common exceptions.
• Chauvihar Upavas: A complete fast for the remainder of the day, abstaining from all four types of food.
• Chuvihar Divas-charim: Similar to Chauvihar Upavas, indicating complete abstinence for the rest of the day.
• Tivihar Divas-charim: Abstinence from three types of food (Asanam, Khadim, Samim) for the rest of the day.
• Duvihar Divas-charim: Abstinence from two types of food (Asanam, Khadim) for the rest of the day.
• Desavagasika: This refers to partial or limited abstinence. It involves renouncing the use and enjoyment of certain things (Uvabhogam Paribhogam) for the day, with specified exceptions. This is a less stringent form of Pacchakhan.

Philosophical Underpinnings:

The text concludes with a dialogue between Gautam (a disciple) and Bhagwan Mahavir (the last Tirthankar), highlighting the profound benefits of Pacchakhan and other spiritual practices:

• Pacchakhan (Renunciation/Abstinence): Leads to the cessation of the influx of karmic particles (Āshrav), which are the cause of suffering. By blocking these doors, the soul purifies itself.
• Tapas (Austerity): Leads to Vyavadan, which is interpreted as the purification and cleansing of the soul from past karmas.
• Vyavadan: Ultimately leads to Akriyata (inactivity of mind, speech, and body). When the soul achieves this state of non-action, it becomes Siddha (liberated), Buddha (enlightened), Mukta (free), achieves Parinirvana (complete cessation of suffering), and reaches the end of all sorrows.

The concluding lines emphasize the importance of mental discipline and continuous effort in spiritual practice, comparing the mind to a factory that should never stop producing good thoughts.

In essence, "Pacchakhan" is a practical manual for Jains to understand and implement various forms of vows for spiritual growth, leading to the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.