The Sanskrit term Poṣadhopavāsa can be transliterated into English as Posadhopavasa or Poshadhopavasa, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Jainism

Poṣadhopavāsa (पोषधोपवास) or Poṣadhopavāsapratimā represents the fourth of eleven pratimā (stages) laid down for Jain laymen. Poṣadhopavāsa-pratimā refers to “fasting regularly, as a rule, twice a fortnight in each lunar month” according to J. L. Jaini in his “outlines of Jainism” (pp. 67-70). It is also known as Proṣadha, Poṣadha or Proṣadhopavāsa.

These pratimās (e.g., poṣadha-upavāsa) form a series of duties and performances, the standard and duration of which rises periodically and which finally culminates in an attitude resembling monkhood. Thus the pratimās rise by degrees and every stage includes all the virtues practised in those preceeding it. The conception of eleven pratimās appears to be the best way of exhibiting the rules of conduct prescribved for the Jaina laymen.

context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Poshadha, Upavasa.

Starts with: Poshadhopavasapratima.

Full-text: Poshadhopavasapratima, Poshadha, Proshadha, Proshadhopavasa.

Relevant text

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