Fasting is the one ritual that has been performed for ages. It is a spiritual practice where one can overcome the distractions of desires. There are many festivals when fasting is preferred, especially on Ekadashi days. Occurring twice or thrice every month of the lunar calendar, on the 11th day. It is the Shukla Paksha(waxing moon) and Krishna Paksha(waning moon).
In Vedic Scripture and Ayurveda, ekadashi fasting is said to be beneficial in liberation and body health. This very concept of fasting on the days of Ekadashi is considered the most healing method for the soul. When the soul is inside the body, it can't focus on Lord Krishna. It's because the bodily desires and a disturbed mind hide the spiritual need of the soul.
Ayurveda on Fasting (Langhanam)
In Ayurveda, fasting is also known as 'Langhanam', which means lightening the body. It is often misunderstood as the day of skipping meals and starving the entire day. But, actually, this is the day when one can detoxify the body by restricting eating daily food and spices. It's a day to provide rest to the body organs from activities like digestion and excretion.
The reason is simple: We eat constantly every day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sometimes, we eat more than three times a day, which causes the body to work overtime. If the body organs work continuously without a break, it will definitely cause problems. There's a possibility that people eat at unusual times in a day, which is strictly restricted in Ayurveda. These are the late evening hours after sunset.
During these hours, the fire(Agni) in the stomach is less active than usual. In this situation, when people have any meal, the food doesn't digest completely. The undigested food accumulates inside the body and imbalances the three doshas, namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. To resolve such situations, fasting is far better than taking any medicine.
Purpose Of Fasting In Ayurveda:
1) Having a break from constant meals helps reset the Agni(fire) inside the body.
2) Fasting supports the body in regulating metabolism and releasing toxins from the body.
3) Fasting is the practice of training the mind not to attach to the desires of hunger all the time. It makes the mind calm and more sattvic.
Why Ekadashi is Ideal for Fasting – According to Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, fasting is considered an excellent way to improve slow metabolism and other digestive issues. Especially on the sacred days of Ekadashis, the moon effect is high on the metabolism of a person. This is also shown in the circulation, digestion, and other physiological processes.
On the 11th lunar day of every Ekadashi, the moon effect is stronger than ever, which disturbs the digestive system. At this time, when one consumes meals, the food doesn't digest completely. Hence, it is suggested to spend the day without any food.
This half-digested food is known as 'ama'. It accumulates in different parts of the body as fat and toxins, and also circulates through the bloodstream. The result is the disruption of doshas and cause diseases and illnesses inside the body.
Just like we do not use any machine continuously so that it doesn't stop working. Same way, we must reset our digestive system in order to make it work.
We should understand that continuous eating, which allows the digestive system to rest, is as dangerous as bad eating habits. This can be improved through fasting on specific sacred days, like Ekadashi.
Ekadashi Effect On the Mind
It has been a misconception that Ekadashi Fasting leads to body starvation. In reality, this is supportive of physical and mental health. As we know, eating sattvic food is responsible for a good state of mind. But continuous eating food can cause digestive imbalance in a person.
No body organ is meant to work continuously. But when we ignore this fact and eat every day, it leads to organ failure. It mostly happens when you consume oil, salt, and grains daily. Although there are some people who eat less and only twice a day.
Ekadashi fasting is recommended for everyone, those they eat thrice or twice, or once a day. The reason is related to mind fullness. When you restrict eating on the Ekadashi days with sincerity, Lord Vishnu blesses you with self-control.
Self-control is the result of continuous discipline. Fasting on every ekadashi while following the Vaishnava rituals and remembering the Lord helps you to control your desires. Once you learn to control your hunger, you can easily focus on chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
Ayurvedic Health Benefits of Ekadashi Fasting
In Ayurveda, fasting is a type of health practice that has been practiced for ages. Here are the benefits of fasting on Ekadasis:
i) Mental and Emotional Stability:
Mental and Emotional stability is the prime result of mindfulness. It is the state of mind where a person's mind isn't clouded with thoughts and desires. At this time, a person feels calm and relaxed. This can only be achieved by fasting and chanting on Ekadashis.
Fasting isn't recommended in three ways: Nirjala, over fruits, and over one-time sattvic food. So, you can fast as per your health status. It is said in the Vedas that fasting is only acceptable when it is done sincerely. You can only experience this peace once you start observing the days.
ii) Spiritual Improvement:
Ekadashi is believed to be the day when the Lord Vishnu's mercy is stronger than ever. Restriction from non-fasting food and habits as per the Vaishanavism is helpful for us. If one follows the rules and regulations properly, with the pure intention to serve the Lord, the vrat is successful.
As we have learnt how fasting provides a mind fullness, which is the perfect state to chant every day. We must practice fasting to improve our spiritual potency so that we can focus on Lord Krishna.
iii) Balances the Three Doshas:
There are three doshas in Ayurveda, which are responsible for body functioning.
a) Vata: movement;
b) Pitta: transformation;
c) Kapha: stability.
When these doshas are imbalanced, it leads to various problems inside a person. For example, anxiety, inflammation, excessive sleep, etc. However, fasting balances the three doshas.
iv) Long and healthy Lifestyle:
Fasting increases the subtle energy of a person. It improves the immunity and inner strength. When you fast, the cellular aging inside you slows down. It means that you'll stay young inside and won't feel lethargic for a long time.
FAQs
What does Ayurveda say about the benefits of fasting on Ekadashi?
In Ayurveda, fasting is described as the best medicine to have a digestive balance and mental peace in life. It is the sacred day of Lord Vishnu.
How does fasting on Ekadashi help balance the three doshas according to Ayurveda?
Fasting balances the three doshas in the body. It reduces the excessive effects of Kapha, regulates the Pitta, and calms the Vata.
What are the Ayurvedic guidelines for types of Ekadashi fasting?
There are three types of fasting a person can observe on Ekadashi: Nirjala, Phalahara, and Anukalpa. One can fast as per their current health status.
What can I eat or avoid during Ekadashi fasting per Ayurveda?
1) To avoid: All types of grains, legumes, pulses, onions, and garlic.
2) To eat: Foods that are allowed during fasting, like sabudana, potatoes, dry fruits, fruits, and dairy products.
Are there health risks, or who should avoid Ekadashi fasting according to Ayurveda?
No, there is no health risk because a person can have all the allowed food items in a day. So, it is convenient for everyone to observe the fast.
Conclusion
Ekadashi fasting is the most suitable and affordable way to practice a sattvic lifestyle. In spirituality, this way of living is necessary to adapt the devotional practices. For those who strongly believe in Modern science, it is supported by scientific logic and research.
In most Research papers, the scientists have proved the health benefits of fasting. By observing the Ekadashi fast, one can transform their normal lifestyle to a healthier, lighter, spiritual, and calmer.
