How to fast? Sayana Ekadasi - Fri, 3rd July 2009.

[Guest guest]

Thank you Manikantanji for the information and also the ALERT.After reading Sayana Ekadasi, for those who may not be knowing how to fast, please read on... For others, there might be some additional information too..Ekadasi, or Ekadashi, is an important Upvaas (fast) dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Millions of Hindu devotees observe Ekadasi, which is considered highly auspicious by Lord Vishnu devotees. The traditional approach is to abstain from food completely on the day. But nowadays a complete fast is not possible for many people. Such people consume certain food items on the Ekadasi day and observe only a partial

fast.It is believed that demon Mura found a dwelling place in the rice and Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Ekadasi to annihilate Mura. Therefore devotees who fast on the Ekadashi day avoid food made from grains.Many devotees due to several reasons – like health and job commitments – observe partial

fast on the day. Such people avoid non-vegetarian and food items made from beans, pulses and grains, especially rice.The food that can be consumed on the Ekadasi day includes fresh and dried fruits, milk products, vegetables and nuts.As the list of Ekadasi food expands there will be new issues cropping up like – Are you sure this can be consumed on

Ekadasi.So the golden rule is avoid pulses and grains on Ekadasi.Drink lots of water and eat fresh and dried fruits.In Hinduism, Upvaas is meant to bring a person close to Brahman. So forget about the rules and regulations and what you are going to gain from the Ekadashi fast. Spend the day in purifying the mind and body.Ekadasi Fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. This is one of the most popular Vrat observed in Hinduism. How to observe Ekadashi was narrated to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and is found in

the Bhavisyottara Purana.Things needed for Ekadasi Puja and PrayerA picture or photo or idol of Lord VishnuFruitsTulsi leaves (The tulsi leaves should not be picked on the day but on the previous day)Yellow bananasAnd other normal puja itemsObservanceWake up early in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers.Perform a simple puja to Lord Vishnu at home by lighting a lamp and offering fruits and Tulsi leaves.Pray or meditate for few minutes.If there is a Vishnu temple nearby visit the temple and witness morning pujas and rituals.Complete fast or Upavas on the day is the main observance.Ekadasi FastingFasting is for 24 hours. It is believed that a partial or total abstinence from food on Ekadasi is rewarded with bliss.If you have any health problem or are taking medicines, please consult your doctor before deciding on fasting. You can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice.Do not eat food made from rice on Ekadashi.Strictly avoid eating rice and grains, honey, meat and eating on a bell metal plate. Do not apply oil on the day. Those taking partial fast can consume fruits and milk.AfternoonTake bath and offer prayers to Lord VishnuEvening PrayersTake a bath in the evening.Repeat the morning puja to VishnuVisit Vishnu temple and witness the evening puja and rituals.Prayers for EkadashiVishnu AshotharamVishnu SahasranamamSimple Chanting of – Om Namo NarayanaOr any prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Sri KrishnaNo Sleep of Keeping Vigil at NightStaunch devotees who observe Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting do not sleep on the day. They spend the whole night at Vishnu temples or by singing prayers or listening stories dedicated to Lord Vishnu.But those devotees who have health problems sleep at night. Those people who work, take rest at night and avoid keeping vigil at nightNext Day MorningThe fast is broken on the next day (Dwadashi) after taking bath. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by lighting a lamp and then you can break the fast.http://www.iskcon.com/basics/ekadasi.htmlEkadasi 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.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 Krishna, Lord Rama, and Caitanya Mahaprabhu.(Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.27.22 purport)How To Follow EkadasiFast from grains and pulses (legumes).Chant extra rounds.Try to do more reading.Try to become more absorbed in hearing, chanting, and devotion to Krishna.Bhaktivinoda Thakura said it is a

time to step back, get a little out of the normal routine, and take stock of one's 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.Why just twenty-five rounds? You should chant as many as possible. Real Ekadasi means fasting and chanting and no other business. When one observes fasting, the chanting becomes easier. So on Ekadasi other business can be suspended as far as possible, unless there is some urgent business.â€.FastingOne should not overdo fasting. It is supposed to cause buoyancy of feeling and not fatigue. One should only practice as much fasting as one's capacity allows.The Benefits of FastingIt 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: so we feel sleepy. Types of FastsDifferent practitioners observe the Ekadasi fast on different levels:Completely fasting from food and water ( although acamana water and caranamrita are still allowed).Taking water while fasting from all food.Taking water and a little fruit.Taking water and one meal in the afternoon.Drinking and eating as usual but without any grains or pulses.Other Points About FastingIdeally, one abstains from eating after the midday meal on the day before Ekadasi.One following the stricter type of fast may only drink milk on Dvadasi..Completely fasting from food and drink on Bhima-nirjala Ekadasi atones for any mistakes one has made on all the other Ekadasis for the previous year.One should not overdo fasting. It is supposed to cause buoyancy of feeling and not fatigue. One should only practice as much fasting as one's capacity allows and not try to artifically impress others.If one cannot do service because of fasting, he is better off eating.manikantan <manikantankkanaiyyadesh <kanaiyyadesh (AT) googl (DOT) com>; koottala; Moderator ; jayshreekrishna; guruvayur Moderator <guruvayur >; Govindadwipa Moderator <Govindadwipa >; prerna231 Sent: Thursday, July 2, 2009 12:48:14 AM[Guruvayur] Sayana Ekadasi - Ekadasi Alert: Fri, 3rd July 2009

Sayana

Ekadasi (Deva-sayana - Padma Ekadasi)

 

 

from Bhavishya-uttara PuranDate of fasting: Fri, 3rd

July 2009

Breakfast : 04:53 AM - 05:35 AM Next day ***

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---

The saintly king Yudhishthira Maharaj

said, "Oh Keshava, what is the name of that EkAdasii that occurs during

the light fortnight of the month of AshADha (June - July)? Who is the

worshipable Deity for the auspicious day, and what is the process for

observing this event?

[Guest guest]

Hare Krishna Anil PrabhuThanks for the details of fasting, this will help all our Devotee friends to observe ekadassi Vritham now onwards.My personal request is to avoid grains on Ekadassi day. and depend on fruits, roots and milk products.

Your ServantmaniOn Thu, Jul 2, 2009 at 10:43 AM, Anil NN <anilnn wrote:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Manikantanji for the information and also the ALERT.After reading Sayana Ekadasi, for those who may not be knowing how to fast, please read on... 

For others, there might be some additional information too..Ekadasi, or Ekadashi, is an important Upvaas (fast) dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Millions of Hindu devotees observe Ekadasi, which is considered highly auspicious by Lord Vishnu devotees. The traditional approach is to abstain from food completely on the day. But nowadays a complete fast is not possible for many people. Such people consume certain food items on the Ekadasi day and observe only a partial

fast.It is believed that demon Mura found a dwelling place in the rice and Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Ekadasi to annihilate Mura. Therefore devotees who fast on the Ekadashi day avoid food made from grains.

Many devotees due to several reasons – like health and job commitments – observe partial

fast on the day. Such people avoid non-vegetarian and food items made from beans, pulses and grains, especially rice.The food that can be consumed on the Ekadasi day includes fresh and dried fruits, milk products, vegetables and nuts.

As the list of Ekadasi food expands there will be new issues cropping up like – Are you sure this can be consumed on

Ekadasi.So the golden rule is avoid pulses and grains on Ekadasi.Drink lots of water and eat fresh and dried fruits.In Hinduism, Upvaas is meant to bring a person close to Brahman. So forget about the rules and regulations and what you are going to gain from the Ekadashi fast. Spend the day in purifying the mind and body.

Ekadasi Fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. This is one of the most popular Vrat observed in Hinduism. How to observe Ekadashi was narrated to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and is found in

the Bhavisyottara Purana.Things needed for Ekadasi Puja and PrayerA picture or photo or idol of Lord VishnuFruits

Tulsi leaves (The tulsi leaves should not be picked on the day but on the previous day)Yellow bananasAnd other normal puja items

ObservanceWake up early in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers.Perform a simple puja to Lord Vishnu at home by lighting a lamp and offering fruits and Tulsi leaves.Pray or meditate for few minutes.

If there is a Vishnu temple nearby visit the temple and witness morning pujas and rituals.Complete fast or Upavas on the day is the main observance.

Ekadasi FastingFasting is for 24 hours. It is believed that a partial or total abstinence from food on Ekadasi is rewarded with bliss.If you have any health problem or are taking medicines, please consult your doctor before deciding on fasting. You can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice.

Do not eat food made from rice on Ekadashi.Strictly avoid eating rice and grains, honey, meat and eating on a bell metal plate. Do not apply oil on the day. Those taking partial fast can consume fruits and milk.

AfternoonTake bath and offer prayers to Lord VishnuEvening Prayers

Take a bath in the evening.Repeat the morning puja to VishnuVisit Vishnu temple and witness the evening puja and rituals.Prayers for Ekadashi

Vishnu AshotharamVishnu SahasranamamSimple Chanting of –  Om  Namo NarayanaOr any prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Sri Krishna

No Sleep of Keeping Vigil at NightStaunch devotees who observe Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting do not sleep on the day. They spend the whole night at Vishnu temples or by singing prayers or listening stories dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

But those devotees who have health problems sleep at night. Those people who work, take rest at night and avoid keeping vigil at night

Next Day MorningThe fast is broken on the next day (Dwadashi) after taking bath. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by lighting a lamp and then you can break the fast.

http://www.iskcon.com/basics/ekadasi.htmlEkadasi  

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.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 Krishna, Lord Rama, and Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

(Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.27.22 purport)How To Follow EkadasiFast from grains and pulses (legumes).

Chant extra rounds.Try to do more reading.Try to become more absorbed in hearing, chanting, and devotion to Krishna.Bhaktivinoda Thakura said it is a

time to step back, get a little out of the normal routine, and take stock of one's 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.Why just twenty-five rounds? You should chant as many as possible. Real Ekadasi means fasting and chanting and no other business. When one observes fasting, the chanting becomes easier. So on Ekadasi other business can be suspended as far as possible, unless there is some urgent business.”.

FastingOne should not overdo fasting. It is supposed to cause buoyancy of feeling and not fatigue. One should only practice as much fasting as one's capacity allows.

The Benefits of FastingIt 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: so we feel sleepy. 

Types of FastsDifferent practitioners observe the Ekadasi fast on different levels:Completely fasting from food and water ( although acamana water and caranamrita are still allowed).

Taking water while fasting from all food.Taking water and a little fruit.Taking water and one meal in the afternoon.Drinking and eating as usual but without any grains or pulses.

Other Points About FastingIdeally, one abstains from eating after the midday meal on the day before Ekadasi.One following the stricter type of fast may only drink milk on Dvadasi..

Completely fasting from food and drink on Bhima-nirjala Ekadasi atones for any mistakes one has made on all the other Ekadasis for the previous year.One should not overdo fasting. It is supposed to cause buoyancy of feeling and not fatigue. One should only practice as much fasting as one's capacity allows and not try to artifically impress others.

If one cannot do service because of fasting, he is better off eating.

manikantan <manikantankkanaiyyadesh <kanaiyyadesh (AT) googl (DOT) com>; koottala; Moderator ; jayshreekrishna; guruvayur Moderator <guruvayur >; Govindadwipa Moderator <Govindadwipa >; prerna231

Thursday, July 2, 2009 12:48:14 AM[Guruvayur] Sayana Ekadasi - Ekadasi Alert: Fri, 3rd July 2009

Sayana

Ekadasi (Deva-sayana - Padma Ekadasi)

 

 

from Bhavishya-uttara PuranDate of fasting:  Fri, 3rd

July 2009

Breakfast  :   04:53 AM - 05:35 AM Next day ***

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---

The saintly king Yudhishthira Maharaj

said, " Oh Keshava, what is the name of that EkAdasii that occurs during

the light fortnight of the month of AshADha (June - July)? Who is the

worshipable Deity for the auspicious day, and what is the process for

observing this event?

 

 

 

 

-- Take advantage of this rare opportunity of this human form of life.  There are 8,400,000 different species of life through which we are rotating lifetime after lifetime. So getting a human body is not an every day affair. This most auspicious opportunity only comes after many millions of lifetimes in the lower species. Anyone who does not utilize their human life for self-realization is making the greatest mistake. When this happens it is the greatest tragedy, and unfortunately today this neglect of the human form has become the standard behavior for the entire human society. What can be done? We must first ourselves become solidly situated in Krishna consciousness and then do the highest welfare activity of spreading to everyone else all over the world.

Chant:Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare HareHare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare