Guest guest Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 File attached Bipin Prag [bipin.prag] Tuesday, May 31, 2005 4:06 PM ' ' Fasting on Ekadasi as a Remedy?? Jaya Jagannatha Dear Swee With Ekadasi again on Thursday 2nd June 2005, I have always wondered for what purpose, fasting on Ekadasi would be a remedy for? I was told that fasting from grains on this day is desirable and the mood is satvik and one should double up on whatever mantras one is chanting – is this true. Without grains eating options are limited ,so im attaching some recipes that I downloaded a while back and must say looking at the options is getting my taste buds going. Though during fasting I understand that the focus must not be on food, but having to minimize on everything for the day. Bhima Ekadasi – I was also told that by fasting correctly on Bhima Ekadasi has the same potency of as if you have fasted all Ekadasis throughout the year, so this is a must if you have missed any of the Ekadasi’s during the year – please shed some light on these questions – my curious mind is racing again. Regards Bipin ******************************************************************* The e-mail and attachments are confidential and intended only for selected recipients. If you have received it in error, you may not in any way disclose or rely on the contents. You may not keep, copy or distribute the e-mail. Should you receive it, immediately notify the sender of the error and delete the e-mail.Also note that this form of communication is not secure, it can be intercepted, and may not necessarily be free of errors and viruses in spite of reasonable efforts to secure this medium. ******************************************************************* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 On 5/31/05, Bipin Prag <bipin.prag wrote: Jaya Jagannatha Dear Swee With Ekadasi again on Thursday 2nd June 2005, I have always wondered for what purpose, fasting on Ekadasi would be a remedy for? I was told that fasting from grains on this day is desirable and the mood is satvik and one should double up on whatever mantras one is chanting – is this true. Without grains eating options are limited ,so im attaching some recipes that I downloaded a while back and must say looking at the options is getting my taste buds going. Though during fasting I understand that the focus must not be on food, but having to minimize on everything for the day. Bhima Ekadasi – I was also told that by fasting correctly on Bhima Ekadasi has the same potency of as if you have fasted all Ekadasis throughout the year, so this is a must if you have missed any of the Ekadasi's during the year – please shed some light on these questions – my curious mind is racing again. Regards Bipin Dear Sir, The Sanskrit word Ekadasi literally means eleven. Ekadasi is the eleventh of the fifteen-day lunar month. In one of the lunar months (called the light month) the moon grows from new moon to full moon and in the following lunar month (called dark month) it diminishes from full moon to no-moon. Thus every calendar (solar) month there are two Ekadasis, the light Ekadasi that occurs on the eleventh day of the waxing moon, and the dark Ekadasi that occurs on the eleventh day of the waning moon. It is recommended that all Vaisnavas should fast on this day of Ekadasi. Such austerity will be greatly beneficial for their devotional life. Origin of Ekadasi In the fourteenth chapter of Padma Purana, in the section named Kriya-sagara-sara, Srila Vyasadeva explains the origin of Ekadasi to Sage Jaimini as follows: At the beginning of the material creation, the Supreme Lord, for the purpose of punishing the sinful human beings, created a personality whose form was the embodiment of sin (Papapurusha). The different limbs of this personality were constructed of the various sinful activities. In order to control Papapurusha, the personality known as Yamaraja came into existence along with the different hellish planetary systems. Those living entities that are very sinful are sent after death to Yamaraja, who will in turn, according to their sins, send them to a hellish region to suffer. The living entities, according to their karmic activities thus began to enjoy or suffer. Seeing so many souls suffer in hellish condition, the compassionate Lord began to feel sorry for them. In order to help them He manifested from His own form the deity of the lunar day Ekadasi. Thus, Ekadasi is the personification of the vow to fast on the eleventh day of the lunar month. Therefore Ekadasi is the selfsame form of the Supreme Lord Vishnu. Sri Ekadasi is the utmost pious activity and is situated at the head among all vows. Afterwards the different sinful living entities began to follow the vow of Ekadasi and were then elevated quickly to the abode of Vaikuntha. Following the ascension of Sri Ekadasi, Papapurusha (sin personified) gradually saw that his own existence was being threatened. He approached Lord Vishnu praying that, 'O Lord, I am your created progeny, and it is through me that you wanted distress given to the living entities who are very sinful. But now, by the influence of Sri Ekadasi, I have become all but destroyed. You please save me from the fear of Ekadasi. No type of pious activity can bind me. But Ekadasi only, being Your own manifested form, can impede me. I cannot find a place where I can be free from fear of Sri Ekadasi. Oh my Master! I am a product of Your creation, so therefore very mercifully direct me to a place where I can reside fearlessly.' After this, Lord Vishnu, observing the condition of the Papapurusha began to speak thus: 'Oh Papapurusha! Rise up! Don't lament any longer. Just listen, and I'll tell you where you can stay on the auspicious lunar day of Ekadasi. On the day of Ekadasi, which is the benefactor of the three worlds, you can take shelter of foodstuff in the form of grains. There is no reason to worry about this any more, because My form as Sri Ekadasi Devi will no longer impede you.' After giving direction to the Papapurusha, the Supreme Lord Vishnu disappeared and the Papapurusha returned to the performance of his own activities. According to the instructions of Lord Vishnu, every kind of sinful activity that can be found in the material world takes its residence in this place of foodstuff (grains). Therefore those persons who are serious about the ultimate benefit for the soul will never eat grains on the Ekadasi day. Observing Ekadasi All Vedic scriptures thus strongly recommend observing complete fast on the day of Ekadasi (without drinking water). Every one from the age of eight to eighty, irrespective of varna-ashram, gender, or any material consideration is recommended to fast on this day to make spiritual progress. For those who cannot perform the austerity of complete fasting, it is recommended that one can follow Ekadasi by eating once a day at midday, or eating once a day in the evening. However under no conditions should one eat grains in any form on this day. Devotional service on Ekadasi Ekadasi with all its benefits should be understood as some thing that is there to support the ultimate goal of every living entity, devotional service to the Lord. By the mercy of the Lord, this day has become extremely auspicious for the performance of devotional service. Freed from so many sinful desires a devotee can execute unalloyed devotional service and receive the mercy of the Lord. So, for devotees, fasting on Ekadasi is a means to progress on their path of sadhana-bhakti. The process of fasting is purifying to the consciousness and it frees up the devotee from so many material considerations. Since devotional service performed on this day is several times more effective, devotees like to engage themselves as much as possible in chanting, kirtan, discussing the pastimes of the Lord and performing other forms of devotional service. Srila Prabhupada recommended that devotees should try and chant at least twenty-five rounds on this day, read about the Lord pastimes and minimize material affairs. However, understanding that devotees who are already fully engaged in active service of the Lord (like book distribution, preaching etc.) he made some concessions, like eating and drinking liquids in the day as long as there is no grains in them. Virtues of Ekadasi In the Bhakti-sandarbha, by Srila Jiva Gosvami, there is a quotation from the Skanda Purana admonishing that a person who eats grains on Ekadasi becomes a murderer of his mother, father, brother and spiritual master, and even if he is elevated to a Vaikuntha planet, he falls down. It is strictly forbidden for one to accept any kind of grain on Ekadasi, even if it is offered to Lord Vishnu. In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one's faith and love for Govinda, or Krishna. The real reason for observing fast on Ekadasi is to minimize the demands of the body and to engage our time in the service of the Lord by chanting or performing similar service. The best thing to do on fasting days is to remember the pastimes of Govinda and to hear His holy name constantly. Respects, Ramapriya ayirpamar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 Jaya Jagannatha Dear Rampriya Many thanks for those comprehensive extracts and your insights on the matter. I understand that fasting on this auspicious day will make you a better Vaisnav, thus helping with Moksha, but what in one’s chart is this activity activating. Is it amplifying 9th house, reducing 12th if there are malefics or is it working on the Sun because it represents the Soul or on the Moon because it represents the Mind and consciousness. Could it also be working on AL by pacifying Maya. Regards Bipin On Behalf Of Ramapriya D Tuesday, May 31, 2005 4:29 PM Re: [Jaya Jagannatha] Fasting on Ekadasi as a Remedy?? On 5/31/05, Bipin Prag <bipin.prag wrote: Jaya Jagannatha Dear Swee With Ekadasi again on Thursday 2nd June 2005, I have always wondered for what purpose, fasting on Ekadasi would be a remedy for? I was told that fasting from grains on this day is desirable and the mood is satvik and one should double up on whatever mantras one is chanting – is this true. Without grains eating options are limited ,so im attaching some recipes that I downloaded a while back and must say looking at the options is getting my taste buds going. Though during fasting I understand that the focus must not be on food, but having to minimize on everything for the day. Bhima Ekadasi – I was also told that by fasting correctly on Bhima Ekadasi has the same potency of as if you have fasted all Ekadasis throughout the year, so this is a must if you have missed any of the Ekadasi's during the year – please shed some light on these questions – my curious mind is racing again. Regards Bipin Dear Sir, The Sanskrit word Ekadasi literally means eleven. Ekadasi is the eleventh of the fifteen-day lunar month. In one of the lunar months (called the light month) the moon grows from new moon to full moon and in the following lunar month (called dark month) it diminishes from full moon to no-moon. Thus every calendar (solar) month there are two Ekadasis, the light Ekadasi that occurs on the eleventh day of the waxing moon, and the dark Ekadasi that occurs on the eleventh day of the waning moon. It is recommended that all Vaisnavas should fast on this day of Ekadasi. Such austerity will be greatly beneficial for their devotional life. Origin of Ekadasi In the fourteenth chapter of Padma Purana, in the section named Kriya-sagara-sara, Srila Vyasadeva explains the origin of Ekadasi to Sage Jaimini as follows: At the beginning of the material creation, the Supreme Lord, for the purpose of punishing the sinful human beings, created a personality whose form was the embodiment of sin (Papapurusha). The different limbs of this personality were constructed of the various sinful activities. In order to control Papapurusha, the personality known as Yamaraja came into existence along with the different hellish planetary systems. Those living entities that are very sinful are sent after death to Yamaraja, who will in turn, according to their sins, send them to a hellish region to suffer. The living entities, according to their karmic activities thus began to enjoy or suffer. Seeing so many souls suffer in hellish condition, the compassionate Lord began to feel sorry for them. In order to help them He manifested from His own form the deity of the lunar day Ekadasi. Thus, Ekadasi is the personification of the vow to fast on the eleventh day of the lunar month. Therefore Ekadasi is the selfsame form of the Supreme Lord Vishnu. Sri Ekadasi is the utmost pious activity and is situated at the head among all vows. Afterwards the different sinful living entities began to follow the vow of Ekadasi and were then elevated quickly to the abode of Vaikuntha. Following the ascension of Sri Ekadasi, Papapurusha (sin personified) gradually saw that his own existence was being threatened. He approached Lord Vishnu praying that, 'O Lord, I am your created progeny, and it is through me that you wanted distress given to the living entities who are very sinful. But now, by the influence of Sri Ekadasi, I have become all but destroyed. You please save me from the fear of Ekadasi. No type of pious activity can bind me. But Ekadasi only, being Your own manifested form, can impede me. I cannot find a place where I can be free from fear of Sri Ekadasi. Oh my Master! I am a product of Your creation, so therefore very mercifully direct me to a place where I can reside fearlessly.' After this, Lord Vishnu, observing the condition of the Papapurusha began to speak thus: 'Oh Papapurusha! Rise up! Don't lament any longer. Just listen, and I'll tell you where you can stay on the auspicious lunar day of Ekadasi. On the day of Ekadasi, which is the benefactor of the three worlds, you can take shelter of foodstuff in the form of grains. There is no reason to worry about this any more, because My form as Sri Ekadasi Devi will no longer impede you.' After giving direction to the Papapurusha, the Supreme Lord Vishnu disappeared and the Papapurusha returned to the performance of his own activities. According to the instructions of Lord Vishnu, every kind of sinful activity that can be found in the material world takes its residence in this place of foodstuff (grains). Therefore those persons who are serious about the ultimate benefit for the soul will never eat grains on the Ekadasi day. Observing Ekadasi All Vedic scriptures thus strongly recommend observing complete fast on the day of Ekadasi (without drinking water). Every one from the age of eight to eighty, irrespective of varna-ashram, gender, or any material consideration is recommended to fast on this day to make spiritual progress. For those who cannot perform the austerity of complete fasting, it is recommended that one can follow Ekadasi by eating once a day at midday, or eating once a day in the evening. However under no conditions should one eat grains in any form on this day. Devotional service on Ekadasi Ekadasi with all its benefits should be understood as some thing that is there to support the ultimate goal of every living entity, devotional service to the Lord. By the mercy of the Lord, this day has become extremely auspicious for the performance of devotional service. Freed from so many sinful desires a devotee can execute unalloyed devotional service and receive the mercy of the Lord. So, for devotees, fasting on Ekadasi is a means to progress on their path of sadhana-bhakti. The process of fasting is purifying to the consciousness and it frees up the devotee from so many material considerations. Since devotional service performed on this day is several times more effective, devotees like to engage themselves as much as possible in chanting, kirtan, discussing the pastimes of the Lord and performing other forms of devotional service. Srila Prabhupada recommended that devotees should try and chant at least twenty-five rounds on this day, read about the Lord pastimes and minimize material affairs. However, understanding that devotees who are already fully engaged in active service of the Lord (like book distribution, preaching etc.) he made some concessions, like eating and drinking liquids in the day as long as there is no grains in them. Virtues of Ekadasi In the Bhakti-sandarbha, by Srila Jiva Gosvami, there is a quotation from the Skanda Purana admonishing that a person who eats grains on Ekadasi becomes a murderer of his mother, father, brother and spiritual master, and even if he is elevated to a Vaikuntha planet, he falls down. It is strictly forbidden for one to accept any kind of grain on Ekadasi, even if it is offered to Lord Vishnu. In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one's faith and love for Govinda, or Krishna. The real reason for observing fast on Ekadasi is to minimize the demands of the body and to engage our time in the service of the Lord by chanting or performing similar service. The best thing to do on fasting days is to remember the pastimes of Govinda and to hear His holy name constantly. Respects, Ramapriya ayirpamar ******************************************************************* The e-mail and attachments are confidential and intended only for selected recipients. If you have received it in error, you may not in any way disclose or rely on the contents. You may not keep, copy or distribute the e-mail. Should you receive it, immediately notify the sender of the error and delete the e-mail.Also note that this form of communication is not secure, it can be intercepted, and may not necessarily be free of errors and viruses in spite of reasonable efforts to secure this medium. ******************************************************************* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 Om Gurave Namah Dear Bipin, Hare Kåñëa The two tithis ruled by Mars are Tritiya and Ekadañi. Vaiñnavi rules both the days which is the SE (Venus). I don’t know about enjoying gourmet foods like mozzarella J but my Guruji normally recommends roti makes of lotus seeds or other seeds and yogurt with black pepper (for people who suffer from indigestion). I normally avoid eating altogether and some nights I stay up all night K until fast is broken the following day. For any normal person who’s working, it is rather difficult, won’t you agree? In the Uttarakhanda of Padma Purana Chapter 38, this is what it has to say about the merits of Ekadasi. All Ekasañi fasts have good merits except for some especial ones while certain fasts suggest you give gifts on Dvadañi Day. On VijayÄ Ekadañi, gift given on that day becomes a thousand-fold in religious merit and also food given to a BrÄhmaëa.In the same manner, sacrifices performed on that day has a thousand-fold merit. When on DvÄdashi during Shukla Paksha of Rohini, it is called Jayanti ekadañi. Viñëu worshipped on that day washes away sins, all great and small of seven existences. While during Shukla Paksha of Puñya known as Papanashini Ekadashi, the religious merit for those who give a prastha of sesamum seeds to a BrÄhmaëa for a whole year and the religious merit for those who fast on that day are said to be equal. It is stated that Viñëu will be most pleased and will personally appear and the fruit from its fasting is endless and it is like fasting a thousand Ekadashis. On that day, Viñëu was worshipped by Sagara, Katutstha and Nahuña and he gave them everything on the earth. Sins from seven previous existences are wiped off for those who suffer speech, mental or bodily sin. So a tirtha, giving a gift, chanting, a sacrifice (havan), worship of a deity done on that day itself is said to give inexhaustible fruits. Fast can be observed with eating only at night (the previous night) or eating once a day. (That’s what Rama does anyway J). There are many references to Ekadashi, and you can get the entire collection here: http://www.brihaspati.net/ekadasi.htm which I so lovingly typed J Love, Swee On Behalf Of Ramapriya D Tuesday, May 31, 2005 4:29 PM Re: [Jaya Jagannatha] Fasting on Ekadasi as a Remedy?? On 5/31/05, Bipin Prag <bipin.prag wrote: Jaya Jagannatha Dear Swee With Ekadasi again on Thursday 2nd June 2005, I have always wondered for what purpose, fasting on Ekadasi would be a remedy for? I was told that fasting from grains on this day is desirable and the mood is satvik and one should double up on whatever mantras one is chanting – is this true. Without grains eating options are limited ,so im attaching some recipes that I downloaded a while back and must say looking at the options is getting my taste buds going. Though during fasting I understand that the focus must not be on food, but having to minimize on everything for the day. Bhima Ekadasi – I was also told that by fasting correctly on Bhima Ekadasi has the same potency of as if you have fasted all Ekadasis throughout the year, so this is a must if you have missed any of the Ekadasi's during the year – please shed some light on these questions – my curious mind is racing again. Regards Bipin Dear Sir, The Sanskrit word Ekadasi literally means eleven. Ekadasi is the eleventh of the fifteen-day lunar month. In one of the lunar months (called the light month) the moon grows from new moon to full moon and in the following lunar month (called dark month) it diminishes from full moon to no-moon. Thus every calendar (solar) month there are two Ekadasis, the light Ekadasi that occurs on the eleventh day of the waxing moon, and the dark Ekadasi that occurs on the eleventh day of the waning moon. It is recommended that all Vaisnavas should fast on this day of Ekadasi. Such austerity will be greatly beneficial for their devotional life. Origin of Ekadasi In the fourteenth chapter of Padma Purana, in the section named Kriya-sagara-sara, Srila Vyasadeva explains the origin of Ekadasi to Sage Jaimini as follows: At the beginning of the material creation, the Supreme Lord, for the purpose of punishing the sinful human beings, created a personality whose form was the embodiment of sin (Papapurusha). The different limbs of this personality were constructed of the various sinful activities. In order to control Papapurusha, the personality known as Yamaraja came into existence along with the different hellish planetary systems. Those living entities that are very sinful are sent after death to Yamaraja, who will in turn, according to their sins, send them to a hellish region to suffer. The living entities, according to their karmic activities thus began to enjoy or suffer. Seeing so many souls suffer in hellish condition, the compassionate Lord began to feel sorry for them. In order to help them He manifested from His own form the deity of the lunar day Ekadasi. Thus, Ekadasi is the personification of the vow to fast on the eleventh day of the lunar month. Therefore Ekadasi is the selfsame form of the Supreme Lord Vishnu. Sri Ekadasi is the utmost pious activity and is situated at the head among all vows. Afterwards the different sinful living entities began to follow the vow of Ekadasi and were then elevated quickly to the abode of Vaikuntha. Following the ascension of Sri Ekadasi, Papapurusha (sin personified) gradually saw that his own existence was being threatened. He approached Lord Vishnu praying that, 'O Lord, I am your created progeny, and it is through me that you wanted distress given to the living entities who are very sinful. But now, by the influence of Sri Ekadasi, I have become all but destroyed. You please save me from the fear of Ekadasi. No type of pious activity can bind me. But Ekadasi only, being Your own manifested form, can impede me. I cannot find a place where I can be free from fear of Sri Ekadasi. Oh my Master! I am a product of Your creation, so therefore very mercifully direct me to a place where I can reside fearlessly.' After this, Lord Vishnu, observing the condition of the Papapurusha began to speak thus: 'Oh Papapurusha! Rise up! Don't lament any longer. Just listen, and I'll tell you where you can stay on the auspicious lunar day of Ekadasi. On the day of Ekadasi, which is the benefactor of the three worlds, you can take shelter of foodstuff in the form of grains. There is no reason to worry about this any more, because My form as Sri Ekadasi Devi will no longer impede you.' After giving direction to the Papapurusha, the Supreme Lord Vishnu disappeared and the Papapurusha returned to the performance of his own activities. According to the instructions of Lord Vishnu, every kind of sinful activity that can be found in the material world takes its residence in this place of foodstuff (grains). Therefore those persons who are serious about the ultimate benefit for the soul will never eat grains on the Ekadasi day. Observing Ekadasi All Vedic scriptures thus strongly recommend observing complete fast on the day of Ekadasi (without drinking water). Every one from the age of eight to eighty, irrespective of varna-ashram, gender, or any material consideration is recommended to fast on this day to make spiritual progress. For those who cannot perform the austerity of complete fasting, it is recommended that one can follow Ekadasi by eating once a day at midday, or eating once a day in the evening. However under no conditions should one eat grains in any form on this day. Devotional service on Ekadasi Ekadasi with all its benefits should be understood as some thing that is there to support the ultimate goal of every living entity, devotional service to the Lord. By the mercy of the Lord, this day has become extremely auspicious for the performance of devotional service. Freed from so many sinful desires a devotee can execute unalloyed devotional service and receive the mercy of the Lord. So, for devotees, fasting on Ekadasi is a means to progress on their path of sadhana-bhakti. The process of fasting is purifying to the consciousness and it frees up the devotee from so many material considerations. Since devotional service performed on this day is several times more effective, devotees like to engage themselves as much as possible in chanting, kirtan, discussing the pastimes of the Lord and performing other forms of devotional service. Srila Prabhupada recommended that devotees should try and chant at least twenty-five rounds on this day, read about the Lord pastimes and minimize material affairs. However, understanding that devotees who are already fully engaged in active service of the Lord (like book distribution, preaching etc.) he made some concessions, like eating and drinking liquids in the day as long as there is no grains in them. Virtues of Ekadasi In the Bhakti-sandarbha, by Srila Jiva Gosvami, there is a quotation from the Skanda Purana admonishing that a person who eats grains on Ekadasi becomes a murderer of his mother, father, brother and spiritual master, and even if he is elevated to a Vaikuntha planet, he falls down. It is strictly forbidden for one to accept any kind of grain on Ekadasi, even if it is offered to Lord Vishnu. In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one's faith and love for Govinda, or Krishna. The real reason for observing fast on Ekadasi is to minimize the demands of the body and to engage our time in the service of the Lord by chanting or performing similar service. The best thing to do on fasting days is to remember the pastimes of Govinda and to hear His holy name constantly. Respects, Ramapriya ayirpamar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2005 Report Share Posted June 1, 2005 Dear All Namaste Something from my side about Ekadashi. Every year we get 24 ekadashis. Shukla paksha willhave 12 and Krishna paksha 12. Starting from Chaitra lunar month the Shukla ekadhashis are as follows 1)Kamada 2)Mohini 3)Nirjala 4) Shayani 5) Putrada 6)Parivartani 7) Pashamkusha 8)Prabodhani 9) Mokshada 10) PrajaVardhani 11) Jayada 12) Aamalaki Starting from Chaitra lunar month the Krishna ekadhashis are as follows 1)Papamochani 2)Varuthini 3)Apara 4) Yogini 5) Kamika 6)Aja 7) Indira 8)Rama 9) Phalada 10) Saphala 11) ShatTila 12) Vijaya If Ekadashi is mearged with Dashami or Dwadashi, there are, in that case several rules about fasting. Moreorless it depends on the faith you follow.Vaishavas have little bit different rules and others have different. Narada says that ekadashi if comes along with Dashami shloud be avoided. It is believed that Gandhari did the fast on ekadashi that mearged with daashami and hence she lost her all 100 sons. Vaishanavs should as well follow the Vedhas on ekadashi. Narada as well says that Grihastha should fast on only Shukla ekadashi but other puranas allow to fast on both. There are many stories about creation of Ekadashi but people at large do fasting on this day because this tithi is ruled by Kubera the treasurer of Gods. When Brahma created the world Kubera was present in the Vayu form. Brahma asked him to cool down and acquire a sharira. So the vayu as Kubera got the form and shape. Brahma then made him as a treasurer of Gods and he awared ekadashi . Kubera agreed happily and started gurding wealth of Gods. So whosoever saves the wealth on ekdashi Kubera becomes happy and hence people perform fast on ekadashi. Hemadri has given the Swaroopa of Ekadashi as ekadashi mrugaabjastha tula kartarikayuta| simhasana runagala tunindila lasani para|| It is as well said that ekdashis represents Mana. There are 10 indriyas and 11th is the Mana or Mind. The mana karak Moon when enters its 11th kakshya the Mind should be control. So to gain control over Mana i.e. Mind, fasting on Ekadashi is suggested. Specially when born in Krishna paksha with neecha and triksthanatha Moon. Sant Tukaram, Sant Eknath, Sant Janabai, Shree Samartha all have written many good things about ekadashi and its vrata. Marathi Sant literature is full of praise of ekadashi vrata. Thanks a lot for your Time and Sapce. Prabodh Vekhande Jai Jai Shankar Har Har Shankar , " Bipin Prag " <bipin.prag@l...> wrote: > Jaya Jagannatha > > > > Dear Rampriya > > > > Many thanks for those comprehensive extracts and your insights on the > matter. I understand that fasting on this auspicious day will make you a > better Vaisnav, thus helping with Moksha, but what in one's chart is this > activity activating. Is it amplifying 9th house, reducing 12th if there are > malefics or is it working on the Sun because it represents the Soul or on > the Moon because it represents the Mind and consciousness. Could it also be > working on AL by pacifying Maya. > > > > Regards > > > > Bipin > > > > _____ > > On > Behalf Of Ramapriya D > Tuesday, May 31, 2005 4:29 PM > > Re: [Jaya Jagannatha] Fasting on Ekadasi as a Remedy?? > > > > On 5/31/05, Bipin Prag <bipin.prag@l...> wrote: > > Jaya Jagannatha > > Dear Swee > > With Ekadasi again on Thursday 2nd June 2005, I have always wondered for > what purpose, fasting on Ekadasi would be a remedy for? > > I was told that fasting from grains on this day is desirable and the mood is > satvik and one should double up on whatever mantras one is chanting - is > this true. Without grains eating options are limited ,so im attaching some > recipes that I downloaded a while back and must say looking at the options > is getting my taste buds going. Though during fasting I understand that the > focus must not be on food, but having to minimize on everything for the day. > > > Bhima Ekadasi - I was also told that by fasting correctly on Bhima Ekadasi > has the same potency of as if you have fasted all Ekadasis throughout the > year, so this is a must if you have missed any of the Ekadasi's during the > year - please shed some light on these questions - my curious mind is racing > again. > > Regards > > Bipin > > Dear Sir, > > > > The Sanskrit word Ekadasi literally means eleven. Ekadasi is the eleventh of > the fifteen-day lunar month. In one of the lunar months (called the light > month) the moon grows from new moon to full moon and in the following lunar > month (called dark month) it diminishes from full moon to no-moon. Thus > every calendar (solar) month there are two Ekadasis, the light Ekadasi that > occurs on the eleventh day of the waxing moon, and the dark Ekadasi that > occurs on the eleventh day of the waning moon. It is recommended that all > Vaisnavas should fast on this day of Ekadasi. Such austerity will be greatly > beneficial for their devotional life. > > > > > Origin of Ekadasi > > > > > In the fourteenth chapter of Padma Purana, in the section named > Kriya-sagara-sara, Srila Vyasadeva explains the origin of Ekadasi to Sage > Jaimini as follows: > > > > At the beginning of the material creation, the Supreme Lord, for the purpose > of punishing the sinful human beings, created a personality whose form was > the embodiment of sin (Papapurusha). The different limbs of this personality > were constructed of the various sinful activities. In order to control > Papapurusha, the personality known as Yamaraja came into existence along > with the different hellish planetary systems. Those living entities that are > very sinful are sent after death to Yamaraja, who will in turn, according to > their sins, send them to a hellish region to suffer. > > > > The living entities, according to their karmic activities thus began to > enjoy or suffer. Seeing so many souls suffer in hellish condition, the > compassionate Lord began to feel sorry for them. In order to help them He > manifested from His own form the deity of the lunar day Ekadasi. Thus, > Ekadasi is the personification of the vow to fast on the eleventh day of the > lunar month. Therefore Ekadasi is the selfsame form of the Supreme Lord > Vishnu. Sri Ekadasi is the utmost pious activity and is situated at the head > among all vows. > > > > Afterwards the different sinful living entities began to follow the vow of > Ekadasi and were then elevated quickly to the abode of Vaikuntha. Following > the ascension of Sri Ekadasi, Papapurusha (sin personified) gradually saw > that his own existence was being threatened. He approached Lord Vishnu > praying that, 'O Lord, I am your created progeny, and it is through me that > you wanted distress given to the living entities who are very sinful. But > now, by the influence of Sri Ekadasi, I have become all but destroyed. You > please save me from the fear of Ekadasi. No type of pious activity can bind > me. But Ekadasi only, being Your own manifested form, can impede me. I > cannot find a place where I can be free from fear of Sri Ekadasi. Oh my > Master! I am a product of Your creation, so therefore very mercifully direct > me to a place where I can reside > > fearlessly.' > > > > After this, Lord Vishnu, observing the condition of the Papapurusha began to > speak thus: 'Oh Papapurusha! Rise up! Don't lament any longer. Just listen, > and I'll tell you where you can stay on the auspicious lunar day of Ekadasi. > On the day of Ekadasi, which is the benefactor of the three worlds, you can > take shelter of foodstuff in the form of grains. There is no reason to worry > about this any more, because My form as Sri Ekadasi Devi will no longer > impede you.' After giving direction to the Papapurusha, the Supreme Lord > Vishnu disappeared and the Papapurusha returned to the performance of his > own activities. According to the instructions of Lord Vishnu, every kind of > sinful activity that can be found in the material world takes its residence > in this place of foodstuff (grains). Therefore those persons who are serious > about the ultimate benefit for the soul will never eat grains on the Ekadasi > day. > > > > > Observing Ekadasi > > > > > All Vedic scriptures thus strongly recommend observing complete fast on the > day of Ekadasi (without drinking water). Every one from the age of eight to > eighty, irrespective of varna-ashram, gender, or any material consideration > is recommended to fast on this day to make spiritual progress. > > > > For those who cannot perform the austerity of complete fasting, it is > recommended that one can follow Ekadasi by eating once a day at midday, or > eating once a day in the evening. However under no conditions should one eat > grains in any form on this day. > > > > > Devotional service on Ekadasi > > > > > Ekadasi with all its benefits should be understood as some thing that is > there to support the ultimate goal of every living entity, devotional > service to the Lord. By the mercy of the Lord, this day has become extremely > auspicious for the performance of devotional service. Freed from so many > sinful desires a devotee can execute unalloyed devotional service and > receive the mercy of the Lord. > > > > So, for devotees, fasting on Ekadasi is a means to progress on their path of > sadhana-bhakti. The process of fasting is purifying to the consciousness and > it frees up the devotee from so many material considerations. Since > devotional service performed on this day is several times more effective, > devotees like to engage themselves as much as possible in chanting, kirtan, > discussing the pastimes of the Lord and performing other forms of devotional > service. > > > > Srila Prabhupada recommended that devotees should try and chant at least > twenty-five rounds on this day, read about the Lord pastimes and minimize > material affairs. However, understanding that devotees who are already fully > engaged in active service of the Lord (like book distribution, preaching > etc.) he made some concessions, like eating and drinking liquids in the day > as long as there is no grains in them. > > > > > Virtues of Ekadasi > > > > > In the Bhakti-sandarbha, by Srila Jiva Gosvami, there is a quotation from > the Skanda Purana admonishing that a person who eats grains on Ekadasi > becomes a murderer of his mother, father, brother and spiritual master, and > even if he is elevated to a Vaikuntha planet, he falls down. It is strictly > forbidden for one to accept any kind of grain on Ekadasi, even if it is > offered to Lord Vishnu. > > > > In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on > Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and > advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to > increase one's faith and love for Govinda, or Krishna. The real reason for > observing fast on Ekadasi is to minimize the demands of the body and to > engage our time in the service of the Lord by chanting or performing similar > service. The best thing to do on fasting days is to remember the pastimes of > Govinda and to hear His holy name constantly. > > > > Respects, > > > > Ramapriya > > ayirpamar@g... > > > > > > _____ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2005 Report Share Posted June 1, 2005 Om Gurave Namah Dear Prabodh, Namaste Excellent addition! However, there are so many stories depending on the type of Purana one is referencing from. I came across the description from Garga Samhita of a red moonlit night (Ekadasi) when the Serpents turned into Gopis and served Krishna. Would you have the copy of Canto 7 and I also require some missing chapters of Canto 8. Thanks so much, Love, Swee On Behalf Of Prabodh Vekhande Wednesday, June 01, 2005 11:32 AM Re: [Jaya Jagannatha] Fasting on Ekadasi as a Remedy?? Dear All Namaste Something from my side about Ekadashi. Every year we get 24 ekadashis. Shukla paksha willhave 12 and Krishna paksha 12. Starting from Chaitra lunar month the Shukla ekadhashis are as follows 1)Kamada 2)Mohini 3)Nirjala 4) Shayani 5) Putrada 6)Parivartani 7) Pashamkusha 8)Prabodhani 9) Mokshada 10) PrajaVardhani 11) Jayada 12) Aamalaki Starting from Chaitra lunar month the Krishna ekadhashis are as follows 1)Papamochani 2)Varuthini 3)Apara 4) Yogini 5) Kamika 6)Aja 7) Indira 8)Rama 9) Phalada 10) Saphala 11) ShatTila 12) Vijaya If Ekadashi is mearged with Dashami or Dwadashi, there are, in that case several rules about fasting. Moreorless it depends on the faith you follow.Vaishavas have little bit different rules and others have different. Narada says that ekadashi if comes along with Dashami shloud be avoided. It is believed that Gandhari did the fast on ekadashi that mearged with daashami and hence she lost her all 100 sons. Vaishanavs should as well follow the Vedhas on ekadashi. Narada as well says that Grihastha should fast on only Shukla ekadashi but other puranas allow to fast on both. There are many stories about creation of Ekadashi but people at large do fasting on this day because this tithi is ruled by Kubera the treasurer of Gods. When Brahma created the world Kubera was present in the Vayu form. Brahma asked him to cool down and acquire a sharira. So the vayu as Kubera got the form and shape. Brahma then made him as a treasurer of Gods and he awared ekadashi . Kubera agreed happily and started gurding wealth of Gods. So whosoever saves the wealth on ekdashi Kubera becomes happy and hence people perform fast on ekadashi. Hemadri has given the Swaroopa of Ekadashi as ekadashi mrugaabjastha tula kartarikayuta| simhasana runagala tunindila lasani para|| It is as well said that ekdashis represents Mana. There are 10 indriyas and 11th is the Mana or Mind. The mana karak Moon when enters its 11th kakshya the Mind should be control. So to gain control over Mana i.e. Mind, fasting on Ekadashi is suggested. Specially when born in Krishna paksha with neecha and triksthanatha Moon. Sant Tukaram, Sant Eknath, Sant Janabai, Shree Samartha all have written many good things about ekadashi and its vrata. Marathi Sant literature is full of praise of ekadashi vrata. Thanks a lot for your Time and Sapce. Prabodh Vekhande Jai Jai Shankar Har Har Shankar , " Bipin Prag " <bipin.prag@l...> wrote: > Jaya Jagannatha > > > > Dear Rampriya > > > > Many thanks for those comprehensive extracts and your insights on the > matter. I understand that fasting on this auspicious day will make you a > better Vaisnav, thus helping with Moksha, but what in one's chart is this > activity activating. Is it amplifying 9th house, reducing 12th if there are > malefics or is it working on the Sun because it represents the Soul or on > the Moon because it represents the Mind and consciousness. Could it also be > working on AL by pacifying Maya. > > > > Regards > > > > Bipin > > > > _____ > > On > Behalf Of Ramapriya D > Tuesday, May 31, 2005 4:29 PM > > Re: [Jaya Jagannatha] Fasting on Ekadasi as a Remedy?? > > > > On 5/31/05, Bipin Prag <bipin.prag@l...> wrote: > > Jaya Jagannatha > > Dear Swee > > With Ekadasi again on Thursday 2nd June 2005, I have always wondered for > what purpose, fasting on Ekadasi would be a remedy for? > > I was told that fasting from grains on this day is desirable and the mood is > satvik and one should double up on whatever mantras one is chanting - is > this true. Without grains eating options are limited ,so im attaching some > recipes that I downloaded a while back and must say looking at the options > is getting my taste buds going. Though during fasting I understand that the > focus must not be on food, but having to minimize on everything for the day. > > > Bhima Ekadasi - I was also told that by fasting correctly on Bhima Ekadasi > has the same potency of as if you have fasted all Ekadasis throughout the > year, so this is a must if you have missed any of the Ekadasi's during the > year - please shed some light on these questions - my curious mind is racing > again. > > Regards > > Bipin > > Dear Sir, > > > > The Sanskrit word Ekadasi literally means eleven. Ekadasi is the eleventh of > the fifteen-day lunar month. In one of the lunar months (called the light > month) the moon grows from new moon to full moon and in the following lunar > month (called dark month) it diminishes from full moon to no-moon. Thus > every calendar (solar) month there are two Ekadasis, the light Ekadasi that > occurs on the eleventh day of the waxing moon, and the dark Ekadasi that > occurs on the eleventh day of the waning moon. It is recommended that all > Vaisnavas should fast on this day of Ekadasi. Such austerity will be greatly > beneficial for their devotional life. > > > > > Origin of Ekadasi > > > > > In the fourteenth chapter of Padma Purana, in the section named > Kriya-sagara-sara, Srila Vyasadeva explains the origin of Ekadasi to Sage > Jaimini as follows: > > > > At the beginning of the material creation, the Supreme Lord, for the purpose > of punishing the sinful human beings, created a personality whose form was > the embodiment of sin (Papapurusha). The different limbs of this personality > were constructed of the various sinful activities. In order to control > Papapurusha, the personality known as Yamaraja came into existence along > with the different hellish planetary systems. Those living entities that are > very sinful are sent after death to Yamaraja, who will in turn, according to > their sins, send them to a hellish region to suffer. > > > > The living entities, according to their karmic activities thus began to > enjoy or suffer. Seeing so many souls suffer in hellish condition, the > compassionate Lord began to feel sorry for them. In order to help them He > manifested from His own form the deity of the lunar day Ekadasi. Thus, > Ekadasi is the personification of the vow to fast on the eleventh day of the > lunar month. Therefore Ekadasi is the selfsame form of the Supreme Lord > Vishnu. Sri Ekadasi is the utmost pious activity and is situated at the head > among all vows. > > > > Afterwards the different sinful living entities began to follow the vow of > Ekadasi and were then elevated quickly to the abode of Vaikuntha. Following > the ascension of Sri Ekadasi, Papapurusha (sin personified) gradually saw > that his own existence was being threatened. He approached Lord Vishnu > praying that, 'O Lord, I am your created progeny, and it is through me that > you wanted distress given to the living entities who are very sinful. But > now, by the influence of Sri Ekadasi, I have become all but destroyed. You > please save me from the fear of Ekadasi. No type of pious activity can bind > me. But Ekadasi only, being Your own manifested form, can impede me. I > cannot find a place where I can be free from fear of Sri Ekadasi. Oh my > Master! I am a product of Your creation, so therefore very mercifully direct > me to a place where I can reside > > fearlessly.' > > > > After this, Lord Vishnu, observing the condition of the Papapurusha began to > speak thus: 'Oh Papapurusha! Rise up! Don't lament any longer. Just listen, > and I'll tell you where you can stay on the auspicious lunar day of Ekadasi. > On the day of Ekadasi, which is the benefactor of the three worlds, you can > take shelter of foodstuff in the form of grains. There is no reason to worry > about this any more, because My form as Sri Ekadasi Devi will no longer > impede you.' After giving direction to the Papapurusha, the Supreme Lord > Vishnu disappeared and the Papapurusha returned to the performance of his > own activities. According to the instructions of Lord Vishnu, every kind of > sinful activity that can be found in the material world takes its residence > in this place of foodstuff (grains). Therefore those persons who are serious > about the ultimate benefit for the soul will never eat grains on the Ekadasi > day. > > > > > Observing Ekadasi > > > > > All Vedic scriptures thus strongly recommend observing complete fast on the > day of Ekadasi (without drinking water). Every one from the age of eight to > eighty, irrespective of varna-ashram, gender, or any material consideration > is recommended to fast on this day to make spiritual progress. > > > > For those who cannot perform the austerity of complete fasting, it is > recommended that one can follow Ekadasi by eating once a day at midday, or > eating once a day in the evening. However under no conditions should one eat > grains in any form on this day. > > > > > Devotional service on Ekadasi > > > > > Ekadasi with all its benefits should be understood as some thing that is > there to support the ultimate goal of every living entity, devotional > service to the Lord. By the mercy of the Lord, this day has become extremely > auspicious for the performance of devotional service. Freed from so many > sinful desires a devotee can execute unalloyed devotional service and > receive the mercy of the Lord. > > > > So, for devotees, fasting on Ekadasi is a means to progress on their path of > sadhana-bhakti. The process of fasting is purifying to the consciousness and > it frees up the devotee from so many material considerations. Since > devotional service performed on this day is several times more effective, > devotees like to engage themselves as much as possible in chanting, kirtan, > discussing the pastimes of the Lord and performing other forms of devotional > service. > > > > Srila Prabhupada recommended that devotees should try and chant at least > twenty-five rounds on this day, read about the Lord pastimes and minimize > material affairs. However, understanding that devotees who are already fully > engaged in active service of the Lord (like book distribution, preaching > etc.) he made some concessions, like eating and drinking liquids in the day > as long as there is no grains in them. > > > > > Virtues of Ekadasi > > > > > In the Bhakti-sandarbha, by Srila Jiva Gosvami, there is a quotation from > the Skanda Purana admonishing that a person who eats grains on Ekadasi > becomes a murderer of his mother, father, brother and spiritual master, and > even if he is elevated to a Vaikuntha planet, he falls down. It is strictly > forbidden for one to accept any kind of grain on Ekadasi, even if it is > offered to Lord Vishnu. > > > > In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on > Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and > advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to > increase one's faith and love for Govinda, or Krishna. The real reason for > observing fast on Ekadasi is to minimize the demands of the body and to > engage our time in the service of the Lord by chanting or performing similar > service. The best thing to do on fasting days is to remember the pastimes of > Govinda and to hear His holy name constantly. > > > > Respects, > > > > Ramapriya > > ayirpamar@g... > > > > > > > > > > > > > _____ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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