By the time this edition of AV and GS lands on your doormats, Jains all over the world would have celebrated Paryushan - the eight days of fasting and religious activities. We would eat very simple foods of pulses and legumes and avoid root vegetables. During Paryushan, we would consume the last meal of the day before sunset. Some would only drink boiled and cooled water.
These rules about observing fast and eating simple meals before the day is out were, although set many years ago, are so very appropriate in these days and age when we feed our faces at any time of day and night with all those ready available fatty and sugary foods. Jains observing the rules about fasting and the consumption of healthy simple foods will lose weight and become healthier, thereby becoming lessr burden on the health services.
This is natural detoxification of not only the body but of the mind too! But then as soon as Paryushan are over, we revert back to our old unhealthy lifestyle and lose the spiritual and bodily benefits we acquired during this period. Think of it. If only eight days of following strict rules of diet can produce such health benefits, why can’t we live such a life throughout the year?
Dinesh Sheth
Newbury Park, Ilford
