🕰 Scientific Division of Time in a Monk’s Life
The daily routine of Jain monks is deeply scientific, with the day and night divided into four parts each, based on the sun and stars.
Daytime: Four Parts (Prahars) Based on the Sun
- 1st Prahar: Sunrise to 45° sun angle
- 2nd Prahar: 45° to 90° (sun directly overhead)
- 3rd Prahar: 90° to 135°
- 4th Prahar: 135° to sunset
Nighttime: Four Prahars Based on Constellations
- Calculated not by moonrise, but by the rising of constellations, each covering a 45° segment until starlight fades.
Thus, the 24-hour cycle is scientifically divided into 8 Prahars – four of day and four of night. While the length of each Prahar changes seasonally (longer days in summer, longer nights in winter), the degree division remains equal.
🔬 The Meaning of “Porsi” – A Scientific Concept
The word “Porsi” is derived from the Prakrit word “Paurisi”, meaning a person and their shadow.
- At 45°, a person’s shadow equals their height → 1st Porsi
- At 90°, the sun is directly overhead → 2nd Porsi
- At 135°, the shadow falls to the west equal to the height → 3rd Porsi
- Before sunset, again the shadow equals the height → 4th Porsi
This system scientifically marks time and guides monks on what to do during each phase.
📜 Activities for Each Prahar (Day)
- 1st Prahar (Morning – Study & Learning):
Scriptural recitation, listening to Guru’s teachings, understanding Agams, Sutras, and their hidden meanings. - 2nd Prahar (Late Morning – Meditation):
Roughly 9–12 PM, time for focused meditation, internal reflection, and mental stillness. - 3rd Prahar (Afternoon – Vihar & Activities):
Traditionally for alms rounds (Gochari) and productive tasks like sewing clothes or essential physical chores. - 4th Prahar (Evening – Study Again):
Post-Gochari, monks return to scriptural study and reflection.
➡ On fasting days, if there’s no Gocharī or service (Vaiyāvratya), then the monk returns to meditation.
🌙 Activities for Each Prahar (Night)
- 1st Night Prahar (Evening – Study):
Review and memorize what was learned in the day. - 2nd Prahar (Late Night – Reflection & Meditation):
Self-analysis, reflection on faults, spiritual goals, and personal progress (Dharmya Jāgarika). - 3rd Prahar (Midnight – Sleep):
Monks take 3–4 hours of sleep from around midnight to 4 AM. - 4th Prahar (Pre-Dawn – Study):
Again, scriptural study or internal reflection till sunrise.
Due to weakened physical capacities in today’s era, monks may be instructed to sleep for two Prahars, based on guru guidance, without it being a spiritual lapse.
☀ Additional Daily Activities
- 48 minutes after sunrise → Clean clothes and belongings
- 48 minutes before sunset → Clean the area where the monk will sleep
- Before rituals like meditation, study, or repentance (Pratikraman) → Preparatory actions are done with specific procedures
🎯 Ultimate Spiritual Goals of a Jain Monk
Jain monks aim to fulfill three major aspirations:
- Become a highly learned scholar
Study for 20 years, mastering texts like Dashvaikalik Sutra, Achārang, Uttarādhyayan, etc. - Renounce all worldly management
After mastering scriptures, a monk seeks to become solitary and self-absorbed, devoted to deep sādhanā. - Embrace Santhāro (peaceful death)
With equanimity and detachment from body, aiming for Samādhi-maran (spiritual liberation at the time of death).
🧘♂️ Conclusion: A Life of Meaningful Moments
The life of a Jain monk is deeply organized, scientific, and spiritually aligned.
Not a second is to be wasted. Every breath is a step toward self-realization, detachment, and liberation.
Whether it is scriptural study, meditation, Gocharī, or reflection – the Jain monk’s day is a masterclass in purposeful living.
This is the legacy of Lord Mahavira – a life where time is sacred, and every action is a pathway to freedom from attachment and true inner peace.