How Jain practices can improve your well-being
Life today moves fast. Between classes, work, social media, and the pressure to constantly succeed, it’s incredibly easy to feel overwhelmed or disconnected. With so many choices and distractions around us, the idea of limiting ourselves by fasting, avoiding certain foods, meditating, or following ethical routines can sound outdated or unnecessarily strict. Yet Jainism reminds us that a meaningful life isn’t about constant activity, but about choices that align with our values. It teaches us that we are more than our bodies because we have a mind, a conscience, and the ability to think, reflect, and create meaning. When we chase instant gratification, like impulsive choices or short-term distractions, we drain the part of us that helps us think clearly and live intentionally. Jain practices help restore that balance and keep us grounded even in a fast-paced world.
I follow Jain practices in various ways, such as avoiding root vegetables, fasting, and participating in Pratikraman or Samayik. For a long time, these were things I did because I was supposed to. I didn’t fully understand them or see how they connected to my life as a student dealing with deadlines, friendships, stress, etc. It wasn’t until lockdown, when life slowed down, that I stepped back and questioned the “why” behind these practices. That’s when they stopped being rules and became habits that quietly supported my well-being every day.
Growing up, I have always avoided root vegetables because of the Jain principle of non-violence. At first, it felt like something I followed at home, even though there were moments of temptation, like when I ate out with friends or at restaurants with limited choices. However, over time, choosing not to give in made the practice feel more like my own choice. Eventually, I reached a point where I genuinely didn’t want to eat them because this habit aligned with my values. What started as a religious guideline slowly became a personal preference that strengthened my discipline and shaped my daily life.
Fasting was something I used to do simply because everyone else did, but its meaning changed as I broadened my knowledge. When I completed Attai (the eight-day fast), I first treated it as a religious milestone, but it unexpectedly became a personal journey. I began noticing how my mind reacted when comfort wasn’t instantly available, and it taught me a kind of discipline that helps me stay centred without needing constant stimulation. Without the usual thoughts about the next meal or the next distraction, my mind became calmer and more focused. Over time, fasting became a practice of self-awareness, reminding me that we don’t need to respond to every craving and that true control begins in the mind first.
When I was younger, I saw Samayik and Pratikraman as something we had to do. I initially did them because it was a chance to sit with my friends and family during Paryushan, to be part of the community and share that time together. But now, my perspective has changed. I’ve come to see these practices as more than just rituals or social gatherings. I realised that Samayik isn’t only about sitting quietly; it’s about detaching from the noise of daily life and exploring Jain teachings and sutras that deepen my understanding. Pratikraman allows me to reflect honestly on my actions, acknowledge mistakes, and let go of guilt so I can move forward with clarity. Those eight days of Paryushan feel like stepping away from everyday life and focusing on the soul.
Modern psychology aligns with what Jainism has taught for centuries. Meditation reduces stress, mindfulness improves focus, fasting builds discipline, and small habits support emotional balance. Jainism doesn’t expect everyone to renounce worldly life, even though that path represents the highest spiritual goal. Most people follow the lay path, focusing on smaller vows and simple daily choices that still help you grow spiritually. Even a few minutes of reflection, a mindful fast, or conscious eating can make your day feel calmer, more intentional, and more under your control. These small steps quietly help you understand yourself better, build healthier habits, and handle life’s pressures more easily. If something so simple can make such a difference, it’s inspiring to think about how much more peaceful life could feel if you push yourself a little bit more.
Ritika Shah
JSF Events Coordinator
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