January 25, 2024
Pramod Pathak
Have you read about Autophagy. Autophagy is auto immune body function wherein the body converts the unwanted (cancer) cells and dead cells into food when we fast. The 2016 medicine Nobel prize went to a Japanese scientist who discovered this phenomena scientifically.
This same practice is also available in our ancient scriptures. Rishi Patanjali advocates complete fasts once in a fortnight for vegetarians and 30 days fast once in a year for meat eaters.
Why fast on Ekadasi. What is the significance of Ekadasi.
Ekadasi is a Sanskrit word meaning Eleventh - Ek plus Dhus. Ekadasi is 11th day in a lunar cycle.
Lunar month consists of two cycles of 15 days each between Full moon and New Moon days. Hence there are two Ekadasi in a month.
The gravitational pull or push of moon on Earth starts manifesting from 11th day of this 15 day cycle. This gravitational manifestation of moon results in high tide or low tide.
The Almighty creator is a simple man who with one simple algorithm designed this universe. Earth consists of 72℅ water, 12℅ Earth, 6 ℅ Air, 3℅ Heat or Temperature and 7℅ Vaccum or Akasha. With the same algorithm he made human beings.
If the moon's gravitational pull can cause high tide and low tide in 72℅ mass of water, imagine the outcome of similar manifestation in our body.
Open a notebook and note the lunar day and your mood on that day. Do it for one month and you could be your own astrologer.
Ekadasi and food habit.
The gravitational pull or push is zero on seventh day and starts building on eight day onwards till full moon day or new moon day.
My home menu for cereals like rajma, chana, arhar, basin curry/kadhi or soyabean is only made after new moon day or full moon day till seventh day of lunar cycle. These grains require lot of water to soak first and then to cook too.
For days from 8th to new moon or full moon light dals which cook easily are made like moong. From Ekadasi to new/full moon grains are avoided. Sabudana, Sama ke chawal, boiled/steamed vegetables, less spicy, quinoa, Amaranth, brown rice and such food which cooks fast are prepared.
The simple idea is to avoid grain as it soaks up lots of water and with the pull/push of moon's gravitational force these grains create effects on body. The first sign of such effects are mood swings. Physiological changes also takes place.
Be with the nature, avoid foods that retain lot of water from Ekadasi to 15th day.
Body weight doesn't grow all of a sudden. Ekadasi is an easy way to keep it in check. It also acts as a reminder, constant one every 15 days. The detoxification happens every fortnight. I found it a healthy practice. If you are a spiritual seeker, Ekadasi is the day to devote in prayers.
Fasting
As per old Indian scriptures fasting has always been associated with devotion and religious beliefs. I do not believe in any religion oriented fasting.
I started fasting once in a fortnight only after learning about Autophagy. During fastings the body converts the unwanted protein (like cancerous cells) into food for body. In a way this is like getting car serviced after a certain mileage or time.
I have been observing fasts for 36 hours every fortnight for last five months.
I recommend members to gain as much knowledge as possible about Autophagy first. Secondly speak to grand parents and parents on fasting. They haven't been able to pass on this heritage to us due to our work and breaking away from joint family system.
Caution
Do not start fasting immediately. One needs to first get normal blood sugar readings without medication for about three months.
Fasting is of five types:
1. Not eating anything and not drinking even water.
2. Drinking only water.
3. Drinking water and fruit juices.
4. Drinking water and eating fruits only.
5. Drinking water, eating fruits and vegetables and nuts. Not eating any grain.
Yesterday was new moon day, today is first day of lunar cycle. Dear home makers, plan spicy rajma, handi arhar, urad dal makhane wali, Punjabi chole, masaledaar chana, dried peas potato, Chettinad lobia or any dal which requires lot of time and water for preparation in next week.
After having binged for a week on your favourite heavy dals till 03 Feb 17, start with lighter dals like moong and masoor from 04 Feb 17 till 10 Feb 17 (Full moon day). In this week include grains which cook fast. Sabudana, Sama ke chawal (Used during fasts), kattu, Amaranth, singhara, boiled vegetables, boiled potatoes, roasted peanuts and sesame, etc. The eleventh day is on 07 Feb 17, go on a fruits or juice fast on this day.
Ekadashi Significance
The gravitational pull of Sun and moon on Earth is maximum on full moon and new moon day. On the seventh day of lunar cycle it is minimum.
This force is responsible for tides in the ocean. Our planet is 70% water and so is our body 70% water. Similar forces act on our body too.
From 8th day of lunar cycle to full moon or new moon this force starts increasing. Hence in our ancient scriptures the 11th day which is known as Ekadashi has been practiced as a fasting day and the emphasis has been to avoid grains. Grains require more water to grow, more to cook and more to digest, thus the significance of not having grains.
Mood swings.
This is the reason that lunar cycle is often associated with mood swings. If one notes down the everyday mood situation for thirty days - that is one complete lunar cycle, one may even be able to control mental health.
Advantage of Ekadashi Fast.
Since we do not eat grains on this day the digestion is faster and the gravitational pull assists in toxin elimination resulting in feel good factor.
Just go through the articles and try to discover science. Please note that this is not a religious update.
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/ekadasi.htm
http://www.salagram.net/ekadasi-science-behind.html
http://isha.sadhguru.org/blog/yoga-meditation/demystifying-yoga/ekadashi/
