Parv Tithi Me Hari Sabji Ka Tyag Kyo

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Parv Tithi me Hari Sabji ka Tyag Kyo" by Nandighoshvijay, based on the provided pages:

Central Theme: The text explains the Jain practice of abstaining from green vegetables on specific auspicious days, known as "Parv Tithi" (festive or auspicious days), and provides religious, scientific, and health-related justifications for this practice.

Key Arguments and Explanations:

1. Core Principle of Jainism: Jainism is globally renowned for its dietary, behavioral, and ideological principles, all of which are considered entirely scientific. These principles were established not by ordinary individuals but by Lord Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankara, for the ultimate welfare of his disciples, followers, and all living beings.

2. What are Parv Tithis?

   • The text outlines two common interpretations for observing Parv Tithis:
     • Twelve Parv Tithis: Two Dwitiyas, two Panchamis, two Ashtamis, two Ekadashis, four Chaturdashis, and Poornima/Amavasya.
     • Five Parv Tithis: Shukla Panchami, two Ashtamis, and two Chaturdashis.
   • Additionally, six "Atthais" (periods of eight days) are mentioned, specifically from the Shukla Saptami to Poornima in Kartik, Falgun, Chaitra, Ashadh, and Ashwin months, plus the eight days of Paryushana.

3. Reason for Abstinence: Ahimsa (Non-violence) and Minimizing Harm:

   • The primary reason for abstaining from green vegetables on Parv Tithis is Ahimsa. Green vegetables are living organisms. By abstaining, Jains aim to prevent the violence (himsa) against the life present in the vegetables themselves and any other life forms that might be present within them.
   • The text clarifies that there isn't a strict mandate for every Jain to abstain on all twelve Parv Tithis. The number of observed Parv Tithis is relative to individual practice. The essence is to perform more good deeds and commit less sin on these auspicious days.

4. The Nature of Grains and Vegetables:

   • Green Vegetables: Are always considered living.
   • Grains (Atta, Rice, Dal, etc.): Grains like wheat, barley, moong, moth, chawla, udad, chana, and tuar (arhar) can be both living and non-living.
     • Grains' Lifespan: According to the text, drawing from the "Dhanyanam Beejatvam Dwar" section of the "Pravachanasaroddhar" scripture, grains stored properly and sealed (e.g., with cow dung) remain living for a maximum of three years. After this period, they become non-living ("Achitta" / "Nirjeeva").
     • Specific Examples:
       • Til, moong, masoor, peas, udad, chawla, kulatth, arhar, and beans become non-living after five years.
       • Flaxseed, cottonseed, kangoo, kodo grains, and mustard seeds can remain living for a maximum of seven years before becoming non-living.
     • Shortest Lifespan: The minimum time for a grain to become non-living after a life-form develops within it can be as short as "Antarmuhurta" (48 minutes).
   • Comparison of Sin: The text argues that the sin incurred from consuming green vegetables is significantly less than the sin (harm) avoided by abstaining from them on Parv Tithis.

5. Preventing Attachment and Fostering Balance:

   • Reducing Attachment: Abstaining from green vegetables helps prevent excessive attachment. Green vegetables and fruits are often sweeter than dried lentils (dwidal). Regularly consuming them can lead to deep attachment. According to the principle of "Kramvad" (law of causality), where there is attachment, there is rebirth.
   • Dietary Needs: The text suggests that while essential for non-vegetarians to obtain necessary nutrients (alkalies, vitamins, carbohydrates) that they miss in their diet, vegetarians typically consume enough green vegetables to avoid issues like constipation.
   • Iron Content: Green vegetables are rich in iron, which is absent in animal products. Vegetarians, having sufficient iron, don't necessarily need to consume green vegetables daily. Iron is also present in lentils.

6. Ayurvedic and Health Perspectives:

   • Ayurvedic Properties: From an Ayurvedic standpoint, green vegetables are considered "Pitta vardhak" (increasing Pitta dosha), while lentils are "Vayu karak" (causing Vayu dosha).
   • Dosha Balance: Consuming too many green vegetables can lead to Pitta imbalance. To maintain the balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in the body, it is recommended to abstain from green vegetables one day every three days.
   • Connection to Parv Tithis: The text links this three-day cycle to the occurrence of Parv Tithis, often with two auspicious days at the end of a fortnight (Chaturdashi-Poornima or Chaturdashi-Amavasya), allowing for a two-day abstinence to rebalance any accumulated Pitta.
   • Seasonal Transitions (Atthais): The "Atthais" (Kartik, Falgun, Chaitra, Ashadh, Ashwin) are identified as transitional periods between seasons where bodily doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) become imbalanced, leading to health issues. The "Ayambil" fast (a specific type of austerity) during these times, involving abstaining from Kapha and Pitta-increasing foods, is recommended to mitigate these health risks.
   • Health Risks in Specific Seasons: The text quotes that Sharad (autumn) and Vasant (spring) seasons are critical for health, as people's well-being often deteriorates during these times, leading to increased business for doctors and healers.

Conclusion: The text concludes by asserting that, from religious, scientific, health, and Ayurvedic perspectives, it is beneficial for all Jains to abstain from green vegetables on Parv Tithis.