We all realize that periodic rest is needed not only for our mind, but also for our body. However, for some reason, only a few adhere to this postulate.
Most of us regularly give our minds and souls a break by relaxing on weekends or going on vacation. But at the same time, even on days of mental rest, we continue to force our body to work hard, often indulging in gluttony (who among us has not brought a few extra pounds from vacation?).
For such cases, even the ancient Vedic culture gave humanity such a phenomenon as Ekadashi fasting.
What is Ekadashi fasting? What is it useful, and how can it be dangerous? How to fast Ekadashi? Read our article on estet-portal.com!
1. Fasting Ekadashi: what is it and how did it appear
2. How to fast Ekadashi
3. Fasting Ekadashi: benefits and harms for modern man
Ekadashi fasting: what is it and where did it come from
Not so long ago fasting of Ekadashi was common only among Hare Krishnas.
However, with the rapid growth of the popularity of Vedic culture in society, ordinary people who care about their health have begun to practice such fasting – both physical and spiritual.
To put it quite simply, Ekadashi practice – this is a 1-day dry fast (that is, even without water), which is carried out in combination with spiritual practices exactly from sunrise to the next sunrise.
However, such a post has several options, including a lightweight one that even people who are far from harsh Indian practices can withstand.
The word «ekadashi» stands for the number 11 in Sanskrit. The fast got its name because Hindus, Jains, Hare Krishnas and other followers of Indian religions and cultures practice it on the 11th lunar day after each appearance of a new moon and a full moon in the night sky (the 11th and 26th lunar days are obtained) . These days, according to the Vedas, are considered ideal for spiritual growth and emotional purification.
In turn, cleansing the body by temporarily completely refusing food and water contributes to the speedy spiritual enlightenment and helps to be less distracted by worldly fuss.
Meditation and spiritual work
Instagram. How to fast Ekadashi
A complete
Ekadashi fastimplies a complete rejection of any food and water. This is "advanced" an option for experienced people who have previously tried therapeutic fasting or at least trying to adhere to the principles of healthy eating in everyday life. The most ardent fans of dry fasting do not even brush their teeth these days so that not a drop of water gets into their mouths. They also refuse to sleep at night by meditating or reciting mantras.
In some Vedic sources, you can find a clarification that women, as the weaker sex, do not have to torture themselves with a full version of Ekadashi fasting. They can limit themselves to half a post.
The Vedas also say that even strict austerity for passionate people can turn into dependence and harm. Therefore, with a strong feeling of discomfort, one should not try to keep the fast at any cost.
Otherwise, your thoughts will be occupied with physical well-being instead of high spiritual aspirations, that is, the fasting of Ekadashi will lose its deep meaning.
As we wrote above,
Ekadashi fastingalso has a “light version”; for unprepared people who will not be able to withstand total hunger. Minimum fasting simply implies dietary restrictions. This is a rejection of all grains and legumes (and products from them, including flour), soy, coffee, seeds, coarse vegetables (eggplant, spinach, beets, tomatoes, onions and garlic, cabbage, etc.), sea salt, many Indian spices and spices, oils of any origin, sweet (even honey).
It is forbidden to eat outside of your home in the
Ekadashi fastis done within 2.5 hours after the next day, which is counted from sunrise. To exit, you need to use a previously prohibited product. For example, if you've been on a minimum fast, eat some grains or legumes.
If you have been fasting but drinking water, then eat any fruit.
In dry fasting, even drinking water or juice is considered a way out.
In addition to restrictions on food, fasting on Ekadashi also has restrictions on actions and behavior.
Vedic sources forbid intimacy on this day and shaving (for women — beauty rituals for the body).
It is also necessary to refrain from actions that increase the energy of passion or contribute to ignorance — clarification of relationships and quarrels, reading low-grade fiction, watching films with scenes of violence or listening to music that promotes aggression and cruelty, etc.
It is better to direct your energy in a beneficial direction:do yoga, dance or any other type of physical activity that brings peace of mind and joy, meditate, read philosophical, spiritual or esoteric literature, visit the temple and pray, engage in charity or socially useful activities, give alms to those in need with all my heart.
According to many non-religious people, fasting Ekadashi – these are just strict fasting days. Indeed, even from a physiological point of view
one-day complete fasting has undeniable benefits. "Starving" cells release reserve energy for their "reset", as a result of which the internal resources of the body are activated — it self-purifies and rejuvenates. A person feels an unprecedented surge of strength and vigor. It is not for nothing that there are quite a lot of centenarians among Hindus.
Ekadashi fasting will appeal to all fans of curative fasting. After all, even Hippocrates was sure that many diseases can be cured with moderate hunger – hypertension, allergies, diabetes, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, etc.
Paul Bragg also practiced
24-hour fasting to renew the body. Almost every religion has its own post, which speaks of the wisdom of our ancestors, because many and many generations could not be mistaken. However, many traditional medicine doctors oppose extreme fasting (that is, dry fasting), as it can lead to dehydration and, as a result, exacerbation of many diseases – urolithiasis and cholelithiasis, kidney or liver failure.
Dry fasting is contraindicated when it is hot outside or during intense physical exertion, as the risk of even 10-20 percent
dehydration can cost a person life. Strict
Ekadashi fastingis also prohibited for cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, body weight below normal, diabetes mellitus, diseases of the hepatobiliary system (kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas), thrombophlebitis, oncological diseases, pregnancy and lactation, as well as taking potent medications and exacerbation of chronic diseases. Needless to say, children and the elderly should not be put at risk either. If you are just starting out with one-day fasts, you should be prepared for some side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, low blood pressure.
If these effects are moderate, then you should simply give up any physical activity, giving rest to the body.
This is believed to be a natural reaction of the body to cleanse and rid itself of accumulated toxins. With regular practice twice a month, the discomfort should pass.
However, if you feel severe discomfort, do not tolerate it! Drink water immediately, eat a light meal, and seek medical attention.
The most important thing to remember when deciding toEkadashi fasting
– first of all, it is not for weight loss or rejuvenation. The main thing in this post – movement to new spiritual heights through self-overcoming and humility. With other thoughts, you should not try to fast (especially strictly). Harmonious self-development in every sense – this should be the correct goal of a person who observes the Ekadashi fast.
Then you will receive both bodily health and beauty as bonuses. And a positive attitude and kindness to everyone around will help you pass the test with dignity.
5 best products for cleansing the body of toxins and toxins
You might be interested: Perfect belly in 5 minutes a day!
Add a comment