Ekadashi - what is it? Days of Ekadasi. Posts in Hinduism

The origins of any religion lie in ancient knowledge. Our ancestors had secrets that allowed us to treat various diseases, feel happier and live longer. Over time, some of the secrets were lost. Hinduism remains one of the few religions that has kept in touch with previous generations. It can be useful not only for the salvation of the soul, but also for our body. About this in more detail and talk.

Common religion

Hinduism professes about 15% of the world's population. It is the largest national religion in the world. The essence of faith is deep and was previously revealed only to spiritual people. But today in a world where any information can be found and processed without obstacles, Hinduism is open to the public. So millions of people became acquainted with Ekadasi. What is it and what purpose does it bear? The main thing is that everyone can do this ritual. His idea does not contradict the principles of other religions.

The history of the birth of the fast is described in the religious texts of the Hinduism of the Padma Purana. According to legend, the supreme god Vishnu decided to help people clean karma. He created the goddess Ekadashi. One who worshiped it could quickly and easily attain the world of Vaikuntha, eternal and blissful, in which Vishnu and his followers lived. From that day it is believed that the one who will adhere to this post will open the gates leading to permanent happiness. And he who ignores the law will take a big sin.

Energy of the month

Ekadasi plays a big role in religion. What is it, know not only Indians by origin, but also representatives of other faiths. With the popularization of Asian culture, Europe and America also adhered to this unusual ritual.

The word "Ekadasi" is translated from Sanskrit as "eleven." According to the Hindu calendar, this is the 11th and 26th day of the moon. During this period, the satellite is closest to us. His energy diverges in waves, from this vibration water is purified. A person is 80% water, that is, moonlight transforms not only the ocean, but also us - people. These days are especially successful for those who seek spiritual enlightenment. A new perception of asceticism. That's why more and more fans all over the planet adhere to Ekadashi. What it is, the religion itself and its philosophy can tell in more detail.

The philosophy of fasting

According to the theory of religion, it is believed that the purest water is in the Ganges River, the most powerful god is Vishnu, and the most sacred fast is observed in Ekadasi. Its meaning is multifaceted. He cleanses a person physically, mentally and on a spiritual level. The main task is to earn mercy and get rid of material desires.

Hinduism also explains why the days of Ekadasi are so important to man. The moon has great power over the psyche. And the eleventh lunar day has a special effect on our consciousness. On this day a person becomes a slave of desires, unable to fight temptations and exploits his loved ones to their advantage. This all leads to negative consequences: misunderstandings, disputes, inadequate actions.

In order to prevent breakdowns, Hinduism, the religion in which fasts are practiced, recommends that you give up food that has the greatest energy value. These are grains and legumes. Consciously removing from the diet such food, a person shields himself from possible troubles. A hungry organism has no strength to satisfy self-esteem.

Spiritual submission

It should be said that understanding and observing fasting is necessary on two levels - spiritual and physical.

For the Hindus, worship of Krsna is no less important than abstaining from food. Service on Ekadashi days is very special. All requests are carried out with ease. But at the same time every sin on this day is multiplied. It is best to give all time to the Lord, think about him, communicate with him, serve him. They recommend reading mantras, bowing (puja), showing their loyalty and getting rid of their work as much as possible.

In the sacred books it is said that the one who adhered to all this, washes his conscience of sinful deeds. Fasting Ekadashi strengthens spirituality. This is a work that needs to be done to understand that the material life is scanty against consciousness.

A difficult road to purification

The second way is a complete fast, which requires preparation and an unshakable faith in the work that you are doing. It is also called dry fasting - it is a complete refusal of food and water. You can not even brush your teeth. Not allowed to take Alchian (water, over which the mantras were read). Throughout the night, one should chant holy names.

But there is one more condition that should be followed in Ekadasi. Fasting is directly related to well-being. If, for some reason, the ascetic feels bad, befuddled with hunger or conducts a ritual in a bad mood, it is better to give up practice. In this case Ekadasi does not heal the heart, but maims him. Consciousness should be directed to purification. When thoughts revolve around discomfort, hunger or pain, fasting will not bring the desired results.

The medical side of dry Ekadashi

Everyone needs a discharge. But today the holiday is associated with a lavish feast and a sea of booze. This becomes a real test for the body. The digestive system also needs a pause and a respite. This can provide Ekadasi. What this is, explains not only Hinduism, but also modern science.

Medicine calls such practices one-day dry hunger strikes. Their benefits are unambiguous. The body does not receive food and begins to use the body's reserves. Derived slag, the system works better. But this method is approved only by non-traditional practice. According to researches of scientists, a person needs at least 1000 calories per day. Full refusal of food for 24 hours leads to dehydration, the decline of immunity and even violates the rhythm of the heart.

Beginners can be accompanied by nausea, dizziness, migraines and low blood pressure. Terrible consequences await those who do not know that the entrance and exit from Ekadasi should be gradual. On the eve of fasting, you need to abandon heavy products.

Despite many advantages, a complete rejection of food and water is contraindicated in tuberculosis patients, those with a deficiency of body weight, malignant tumors or heart disease.

Easy post

For people who can not go hungry all day, they offer a minimum post. You can not eat legumes. It is necessary to exclude rice porridge, corn, peas, soy. Legumes on a plate are equated to beef on the day of Ekadashi. Fasting forbids such products as spinach, eggplant, a lot of seasonings (which include, for example, flour) and sea salt. Do not take food under someone else's shelter. It is necessary to abandon the oil of both animal and vegetable origin.

Sweets can also contribute to the need to satisfy egocentric desires. Therefore, honey is also banned. In addition, that food should be low-calorie and simple, it is impossible to overeat what is allowed. Different sources give a list of products that can be consumed. But there is food, which is found in all variants. So, on the table can be present fruit, water, milk, ghee (ghee) - this is what is eaten in Ekadashi (light fasting).

What else do you need to know about fasting?

Total days Ekadashi - less than fifty a year. Knowing the dates, you can preconfigure your body for cleansing.

On such days you can not shave, do things that enhance negative energy (watch cruel movies and read books), have sex. Also you can not eat meat.

It is important to prepare the body. Exit from Ekadashi requires no less responsibility for our body than the ritual of refusing food. After fasting, start the day with a half liter of water. Next, you need to eat a small fruit (recommend a banana, because it lowers the acidity level). And after a while you can enjoy a light breakfast. Be sure to exclude fatty and fried.

In general, in this matter, training is necessary both at the level of physiology and in terms of consciousness.