Digital Fasting 2024

1. What is Digital Fasting?

"Up" means "close" and "Vas" means "to stay," so the literal meaning of Upvas is "to stay close." The main objective is to turn inward and reside in the privacy of one's soul, becoming self-reflective.

For years, we have been purifying our bodies through "fasting from food," but in today's digital age, there is a dire need for "fasting from digital devices." "Abstaining from digital devices" is a modern, powerful, and singular way to distance ourselves from the distractions of digital devices, disciplining and purifying our minds. This helps us understand our fundamental nature and recognize our inner self.

Digital fasting is a method where phones, tablets, laptops, and the internet are not used for a certain time of the day, resulting in the individual experiencing immense freedom by becoming free from physical and mental distractions within a short period.

2. Why Practice Digital Fasting?

Today, people have become slaves to mobile phones and the internet. WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Netflix, ChatGPT, and other artificial intelligence apps have trapped people in such a way that they spend hours on their phones. They are unable to manage even five minutes without their mobile phones. This directly impacts physical and mental wellbeing, leading to increasing cases of depression, stress, irritability, and loneliness.

Mobile phones came to India around 2007, and in just 17 years, they have become an extension of us irrespective of the age group. As per research conducted in 2023, an average Indian spends 194 minutes on the mobile phone daily. Since there is no age limit for internet usage, children and youngsters are exposed to inappropriate and harmful content.

Excessive use of mobile phones also diminishing a person’s ability to think and understand. Today, people have false self-esteem and self-worth benchmarked by the likes they receive from unknow people.

3. How does one Practice Digital Fasting?

In Jainism, Pachkhaan is considered a vow or penance where an individual resolves not to perform a selected activity or activities related to it. The rule of Pachkhaan keeps the mind disciplined and determined.

On this auspicious day, The Jain Foundation presents "Digital Fasting Pachkhaan" with the blessings of the monks, which, when taken, will protect you from the ill effects of digital devices for a specified period.

This digital fasting Pachkhaan commits you to not using digital devices like smartphones, tablets, iPads, computers, or TVs
1) Morning to evening 2) Sunrise to Sunset 3) Whole day 4) Couple of hours (2, 3, 4, or 5 hours).

4. When does one take this Pachkhaan?

To gain the maximum benefits from the Pachkhaan the below are all very important

• Place
• Time
• Occasion

Here are some key occasions and places where Pachkhaan should be taken:

Place: Religious places like temples, derasars, and private places like bedrooms, etc.

Time: During family programs, mealtimes, etc.

Occasion: During Paryushan, Tirthankar Janma Kalyanak, Diwali, Veer Shasan Jayanti, or other festivals, on anniversaries or birthdays, or other religious occasions, etc.

5. What Are the Special Benefits of Digital Fasting?

Digital fasting increases physical and mental activity while boosting productivity and creativity. Staying away from digital distractions provides mental peace and stability, relieving the mind from stress and depression. Digital fasting helps us sleep better and concentrate on whatever work we do. It provides an opportunity to spend more time with family and loved ones, strengthening relationships.

In the time saved, we can pursue our favourite activities, all of which impact mental positivity. Digital fasting teaches us to enjoy the present rather than capturing it in selfies or photos. Spending more time with elders instils good values in children.