What is Ekadashi fast? And why Ekadashi is important for your health? [Free 2021 Ekadashi calendar]
Ekadashi fasting. Some say that it helps you attain salvation (moksha).
To some it is a spiritual practice.
And for some say it is religious.
Whereas some say that it is a diet.
Who is right. What is more correct?
I would leave the final judgement on you.
But let me try presenting you with holistic and unbiased facts about Ekadashi fasting.
Because there have been multiple conceptions about fasting, I would first like to jump into the idea of fasting.
Which in India we call ‘Upvasa’
What is ‘upvasa’?
Upvasa in English means staying close to your soul, or God. When our stomach is empty, our concentration is strong. And to stay close to yourself, it is a must for your concentration to stay unwavered and undisturbed.
And with the nature of individual food that we consume, there are chances that they may indulge in our concentration strength. Eg: spices tend to get aggressive in our body and they also have an impact on our mind after we consume it.
You might observe that after consuming spicy or junk food you will find it difficult to concentrate at work or any activity.
And the activity of getting closer to your soul requires the highest amount of concentration, which is why it is advisable that we do not take before this activity and our stomach empty, to allow our digestive system to stay silent.
Scientific aspect of fasting:
When we fast, we gain benefits like improved digestion, blood circulation and respiration. This is the best way to detox our body, cleanse the blood and enhance the functioning of kidneys and liver.
Why to do fasting?
Just like we do cleansing of our body and cleansing of our home on a periodic basis, cleaning our internal body and mind is equally important too.
Our digestive system is continuously working and if it is allowed to rest then it has many health benefits.
Once in a while our body needs that break from food. So that it can activate its methodology of self healing.
So, keeping the diet very light and in the best possible ways, not eating at all, is the best way to perform body cleansing.
And this also has immense benefits on our mind too.
Now, let us understand what Ekadashi is?
We all know that the Moon is traveling. And also about what is full moon and what is new moon. Right?
Every 4 days before the full moon and 4 days before the new moon is the Ekadashi.
Which means, 11th day in both the journeys. Which we call the 11th day of the waxing moon and the waning moon.
So technically, Ekadashi happens twice every month.
Ekadashi also means ‘Eka’, meaning ONE and ‘Dasha’, meaning TEN. Which forms to mean ONE and TEN. And the spiritual meaning of this is cleansing ten senses and one mind, to get closer to yourself.
In simple terms, Ekadashi fasting is when you eat your dinner the previous day and then you have your next meal during the dinner of your following day, observing 24 hours of gap by not having any meal, and completely avoiding any grains or solids. Having milk, water, fruits, fruit juices and dry fruits could be an exception.
Why is Ekadashi Fasting so important (scientifically, spiritually and biologically)?
Moon, Body and Mind
The human’s body’s functioning is influenced by the position of the moon and the magnetic effect of it.
Moon’s position is scientifically very significant, for our human body also.
So, when we fast on the Ekadashi the natural flow of the fluids in the body is maintained. Which results in healthier functioning of the body and mind.
For example, the tides go high and low, as per the position of the moon. And the tides are highest during the 11th day of waxing moon and 11th of the waning moon.
Now here is the critical part – 70% of the human body is filled with water, including the brain.
So as you would know that the moon’s position has an impact on the water, it does impact the water in the human body too.
Three Gunas, Body and Mind
If you know about the three gunas – sattva, rajas, and tamas, then you should now pay attention to the
Hence, having ‘tamasic’ food during the high tides will increase the emotional sensitivity and reduce the spiritual abilities in humans. Junk, stale, non-veg foods, alcohol etc are some of the tamasic food.
This may also add to anxiety, depression, loneliness etc.
And if you have ‘satvik’ food during these high tides then your body will observe more focus, concentration, calmness and other positivity in the body. Fruits, salads, desi cow milk, desi cow ghee, simple low on spice freshly made vegetarian food comes under satvik food.
This is why you must avoid non vegetarian and junk food during ekadashi and have only satvik food. Fruits are the most satvik food.
To add a more scientific reasoning to the significance of Ekadashi fasting, let me also add that grains retain a lot of water in the body. Just opposed to that fruit, which does the job of flushing out toxins from the body.
So when grains retain water, they also retain the toxins present in the body. And fruits flushes the toxins present in the body’s water.
Focus little less on eating and devote yourself to devotion. Sitting close to god is the prime importance of the Ekadashi and if we engage ourselves in eating then the purpose is not met.
Why is Ekadashi fasting more significant than other fastings?
As per the vedas, Ekadashi has a very positive effect on our body and mind. Hence, cleansing your body and mind on these days will have the most impact.
The planet Earth is in a specific state which has a strong impact on our body and mind and if we keep our body and mind on those days then it will help us become more aware and feel lighter and easier to get closer to ourselves.
If your stomach is full then it is very difficult for you to utilise the full benefits of this planetary and lunar positions.
Even those who want to devote themselves to god do the fasting on Ekadashi time because of its prime significance.
Ekadashi lasts for 36 hours, in every 15 days cycle. And anyone who fasts in these 36 hours then they can recover the highest and these two are the best times of the month to do that.
In short you can also say that during these 36 hours of the 15 days cycle, your body actually does not need any food.
So make it a point that 4 days before the full moon and 4 days before the new moon, you give rest to your digestive system by not eating, or, eating only satvik food.
Solid beliefs on Ekadashi Fasting
“This is to allow your body to are-align itself” – Sadhguru
Since the main aim of our life is to attain salvation, and Ekadashi is the best time to stay close to god and your soul, we do fasting by allow our body to be in its best form.
And because this is the best time to allow our body to rejuvenate, we help our body to help us become healthier.
Also, as we perform daily hygiene. Like morning showers and home cleaning.
Our internal body also needs cleaning. Like morning is the best time to take shower, Ekadashi is the best to do the internal cleansing.
What are the benefits of Ekadashi Fasting?
- It cleanses and detoxes the body
- Purifies the mind and thoughts
- Reduces/ minimizes the cancer cells in the body
I really encourage you to start performing Ekadashi fasting.
Is it tough?
I’d say from my experience that fasting on other days is tougher than fasting on Ekadashi. Because your body actually does not need food on these days.
So, it will be easier for you to do fasting on Ekadashi.
And if you want to know the practical steps to follow for Ekadashi fasting then just follow this step-by-step Ekadashi fasting routine. It is simple and it also contains the dietary guidelines.
Do you have any questions about this fasting or any fasting?
Want to know more about Ekadashi fasting benefits?
Just feel free to ask in the comments and I would love to share my thoughts.
Wishing you a happy cleansing on the next Ekadashi.
And yes, Ekadashi doesn’t usually happen on specific dates of the month so if you want to help yourself then here is a simple one click calendar reminder to remind you on your next Ekadashi day.
It is always helpful to have such reminders get handy with you, right?
I will see in the comments section if you have any questions.
Happy fasting!
Stay healthy!
