“Few words, but infinite meaning and emotion. A short visual, but boundless joy emanates from it. This is ‘Gagar Ma Sagar’ Episode 26 – Renunciation of Night Eating.”
Yesterday, we discussed the topic of non-consumable foods (Abhakshya). Today, I wish to specifically talk about night eating, which is intrinsically linked to that discussion.
Before I begin, let’s understand that in today’s fifth era (Pancham Kaal), the psychology of people has become so degraded that they fail to recognize sin as sin. They see negativity as positivity. If someone is hurt and you laugh, even in a comedy show where others are mocked and ridiculed, we laugh, assuming we are spreading joy. But making fun of someone brings sorrow, not happiness. Treating such acts as positive is a clear sign of a distorted mentality.
Now, trying to explain the sinfulness of night eating to someone with such a mindset is extremely difficult. For me, having to explain why night eating is wrong feels almost demeaning—because it’s so naturally self-evident.
In nature, no noble creature eats at night. Only insignificant beings do. All wise and learned beings refrain from night eating. It is simply natural. If I, as a human, still have to explain this to you, it reflects a truly pitiful state.
🌑 Why Night Eating is Spiritually and Scientifically Wrong
Night is Tamasic (filled with darkness and lethargy). Positive activities do not occur at night; rather, harmful ones flourish. Beneficial actions take place during the day. Fire is considered a purifier, especially the sun’s fire. Food prepared and consumed in the presence of sunlight is pure (Sattvic). Even if you prepare food at night under tube lights or in caves, it is considered impure. Only food prepared and eaten in sunlight is pure.
🥣 What is Chauvihar (Fourfold Renunciation of Food)?
Let me explain Chauvihar Pachchakhān, which is the renunciation of four types of food after sunset.
The word Chauvihar comes from Chau (four) + Vihar (consumption)—meaning renunciation of four types of consumables at night:
- Asanam – Solid food (grains, cereals, pulses)
- Paanam – Drinks (that quench thirst)
- Khaimam – Foods that satisfy both hunger and thirst (e.g., milk, fruits, ghee, sugar)
- Saimam – Tasty but non-nutritive substances (like spices, salt, masalas)
These four have a strong basis in dietary science:
- Asanam: What satisfies hunger (e.g., rice, wheat, lentils)
- Paanam: What satisfies thirst (e.g., water)
- Khaimam: Satisfies both hunger and thirst (e.g., milk, fruit, sweets)
- Saimam: Does not satisfy either; only enhances taste (e.g., clove, cinnamon, spicy masalas)
Eating Khāimam and Sāimam excessively leads to health problems like diabetes (due to sweets) and acidity (due to spicy foods). Their imbalance is the root cause of many diseases. The solution lies in practices like Ayambil, where only grains and water are consumed, allowing the body to detoxify naturally.
🧘♂️ Intermittent Fasting = Jain Diet Science
Globally, the trending concept of intermittent fasting—eating only within an 8-hour window and fasting for 16 hours—is nothing new. It is deeply rooted in Jain dietary science. In Jainism, this translates to:
- Eat within sunrise + 1 hour to sunset – 1 hour
- Fast the remaining hours
This method balances Kapha, Pitta, and Vata and aligns with both spiritual and physical health.
🧠 Influence of Food on Mind
Jain scriptures emphasize not just intention (bhav) but also substance (dravya). What we eat influences our thoughts. “As is the food, so is the mind.” Eating tamasic food leads to tamasic (lethargic or negative) thoughts.
Modern diets filled with processed foods, cold drinks, bread, pickles, and sweets are extremely tamasic. Even if they provide momentary energy, they distort thinking and spiritual growth.
🔗 Night Eating and Spiritual Progress
Many believe that by performing Samayik, Paushadh, Mas Khaman, or even Varsitap, they are progressing spiritually. But if you consume food at night, it nullifies all efforts.
Night eating blocks spiritual transformation, even if you chant, meditate, or perform austerities. Why? Because tamasic food generates tamasic energy, which blocks the spiritual vibrations needed for progress.
Renouncing night eating is not just for health—it is essential for spiritual elevation.
🕉 Mahavira and the Role of Night Eating Renunciation
When Lord Mahavira decided to take diksha (renunciation), his brother Nandivardhan requested him to stay a little longer. During that time, Mahavira focused on two things:
- Renunciation of women (celibacy)
- Renunciation of night eating
These two are deeply interconnected. When you give up night eating, many other vices and distractions naturally fade—addictions, unwholesome company, bad habits.
This is not just a Jain value; it is the core of Aryan culture itself.
🧾 Conclusion
Renouncing night eating is not merely a religious ritual—it is a powerful combination of spiritual discipline, scientific diet, and psychological strength. It lays the foundation for:
- Better health
- Stronger willpower
- Clearer thoughts
- Deeper spiritual experiences
No mantra, meditation, or vow yields fruit unless your body and mind are aligned through pure, timely, and limited food intake. Renounce night eating—not just for your body, but for your soul.