6.1: Ekadasi
One has to perform devotional service in full tapasya, austerity. One should fast on the two Ekadasi days, which fall on the eleventh day of the waxing and waning moon, and on the birthdays of Lord Krsna, Lord Rama, and Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
(Srila Prabhupada, SB 3.27.22p)
Ekadasi refers to the eleventh day after the full moon and the new moon (once a fortnight). On these special days devotees fast and make an extra effort to render devotional service. Observing Ekadasi increases spiritual advancement.
All major religions observe some kind of fasting.
How To Follow Ekadasi
- Fast from grains and pulses (legumes). See below for more details.
- Chant extra rounds (if you are daily chanting 16 rounds than at least 25). Try to do more reading.Try to become more absorbed in hearing, chanting, and devotion to Krishna.
- Bhaktivinoda Thakur said it is a time to step back, get a little out of the normal routine, and take stock of ones spiritual life.
- Try to rise above the bodily concept; avoid as much as possible any activities relating to the body (shaving, laundry, going to a doctor, shopping, sleeping).
- Avoid strenuous physical labour. Don’t travel long distances.
Fasting
The Benefits of Fasting
- It gives one a taste for renunciation, and thus helps one to give up sense gratification.
- Fasting gives the system a rest: The physiological system may become overworked due to a little overeating or indiscrimination in diet. Fasting gives the system a chance to catch up.
- Fasting helps us practice self-discipline in eating and concentrate more on pleasing God.
- Fasting helps keep the body light and the stomach free so that one can meditate better. The digestive system draws the blood circulation towards the digestive organs. Therefore blood circulation to the head is decreased once food is taken: feeling more sleepy, and mental strength is diminished.
- Helps in controlling of the mind and will.
The Mind, Yogis, and Ekadasi
The Moon is the mind’s presiding deity. It’s waxing and waning has an influence on the mind. An example of this is how people with unstable minds become disturbed on the full moon and new moon days. In contrast, during the two Ekadasis, the mind can be more easily concentrated. Yogis therefore take advantage of these two days by practicing deep meditation.
“One day Shri Caitanya Mahaprabhu fell down at the feet of His mother and requested her to give Him one thing in charity. His mother replied, ‘My dear son, I will give You whatever You ask.’ Then the Lord said, ‘My dear mother, please do not eat grains on the Ekadasi day.” (Cc Adi 15.8-9)