Hi everyone, welcome to Vedic Astrology Study
Podcast. Through this medium, I cover a breadth
of some basic principles and analysis of the
beautiful ancient science of Jyotish. Gifted
to humanity by wise ancient seers of India, typically
there are playlists of different kinds with case
studies to have a practical grounding of those
principles. In this series which will become
a part of the Panchanga playlist, I am covering
the science of Muhurta or the timing of events,
activities, dietary control, tuning your attitude
to any given day of the month since this is a
lunar calendar. As per Vedic astrology, the human
being should regulate their daily activities
in alignment with the lunar cycle. and the corresponding
tithi of the day. You might say this is the beginning
of the use of science of Jyotish consciously,
with awareness and in full view of self and this
space -time reality we find ourselves in. Since
this deals with your everyday cycle of energies
that each of us deals with on a daily basis,
it's a good beginning point to start Jyotish
which Panchanga studied first, before you get
to the charts part. If you do not know what your
current tithi is, where you are on the planet,
you can download the Jyotish app, which is indicated
on the slide with its logo on android or iphone
store. Download it, set its location to wherever
you are on the planet. Then click on mahurta
and panchanga part as is shown on the slide,
and it will tell you the current panchanga aspects,
the tithi, the vara, the karada, yoga and nakshatra,
which is typically where moon is transiting over.
Then use these series as a study material to
guide your daily activities, diet, attitude for
any given day. The way I shall cover each tithi
here begins with the element and deity followed
by the energy of the day, what to do, what to
avoid, suggested mindset, elementary, dietary
consideration and the content is covered both
for Shukla paksha and Krishna paksha tithis.
For the basics of this, see the previous tithi
videos in this playlist. Let's get started. Now
let us handle Ekadashi, the 11th day of the lunar
cycle in a given month. So essentially, as shown
in the pie chart over there, it's that 11th cycle,
11th day, okay? Vaxing side or veining side,
both are covered in this pie chart. Once again,
this is a Nanda Tithi or Joy and Auspiciousness,
so it represents a new beginning. The other previous
ones were Pratipada and Shashti. This is the
third one, Ekadashi, which falls both on the
waxing side and the waning side. So let's see
the energies, generic energies that this particular
Tithi brings. Energetic quality of Ekadashi is
ananda tithi, considered by many texts as the
most auspicious tithi. It carries bright purifying
energy and yet it is unique among tithis because
its auspiciousness is largely channelled inwards
towards spiritual development. It is ruled by
the Rudra, very fierce energy. The 11th triti
is ruled by Mars, being the third cycle in the
week sequence, but since it's a nanda group ruled
by fire and agni, the initiator, like pratipada
for example, or shashti for example, this intensifies
a fire quality. However, this fire is often meant
to be turned into a spiritual practice. That
is why Ekadashi is famously called the day of
fasting and devotion. In the Vedic tradition,
many Hindus will fast or eat only once a day
on this particular day in the month. In the Vaishnava
tradition, it particularly extols Ekadashi as
a cleanser of sins or bad karmas and a day for
Bhakti Yoga. That's a whole another topic, Bhakti
Yoga. The presiding deity is Rudra, fierce form
of Shiva, the active form of Shiva, the fire
form of Shiva, like Lord Hanuman, which indicates
the these power to destroy negativities and burn
away karmic impurities. Kuvera, the god of wealth,
was mythologically born on an Ekadashi. That's
why the connotation of prosperity, wealth, money,
bank accounts, you name it. Signifying that great
prosperity or material or spiritual can come
from the discipline on this day. But it is often
said that the true wealth of Ekadashi is the
spiritual merit and self -control. Like Rudras,
like Lord Shiva, as the Rudra meditated to become
the Shiva, the mood of Ekadashi can be described
as highly sattvic, dynamic yet controlled and
deeply spiritual. In mundane terms, people often
refrain from indulges on Ekadashi, channelling
their spirit or energy into prayer, into the
form of bhakti, which paradoxically makes it
the most auspicious because it aligns one with
divine grace, more than anything of external
value in the external world. Fasting and worship.
The number one recommendation for Ekadashi is
to observe a fast or upuwasa as it is called
and engage in spiritual practices. Reserve this
day for such things, mantra chanting, doing puja,
whatever it is that resonates with you. Just
going quietly inward will do. Traditional Ekadashi
fasting means abstaining from grains, beans at
the minimum and often a full fast from food.
Just having water sometimes, for example. The
thing about fasting you need to get is it gives
you the space to disengage from the bodily needs
and focus on the spiritual part. That's the underlying
idea. That's what it serves. Devote the time
to prayer, meditation, chanting, reading scriptures.
It is said that fasting on Ekadashi quote unquote
burns the sins, purifies the mind enabling one
to conquer anger and passion. Lord Krishna Himself
in Mahabharata extols Ekadashi Vrat as extremely
meritorious. So the most recommended activity
in this particular tithi on this day is inaction
of eating and doing inner tapas along with fasting.
Let's say visiting a temple, just sitting in
the temple will also do. Or doing bhajans and
kirtans, devotional singing. Or a specific puja,
whatever your devata you like, whatever gods
or goddesses you resonate with, your ishta devata,
that will also do. Pilgrimage and spiritual travel,
it is considered favorable to undertake pilgrimages
or yatra on this day. Take a journey, leadership
and initiative with caution. Interestingly, the
classical sources mention Ekadashi despite its
spiritual leanings is also good for leadership.
Conflict and defense related activities, debates
and even weddings. Because there is Kubera factor,
isn't it? This is likely because it is Nanda
Tithi Mars ruled by a fiery energy. You can go
outward and do things. But again, take this with
a grain of salt. It is not really recommended
you go outward on this day. Doing a lot of your
favourite mantras, japa is very good on this
day or your pujas. If you are not so much keen
on fasting, stick to sattvic foods and you can
do that. Artistic and educational pursuits, although
not a primary focus, the clarity of mind, many
experience on ekadashi due to lighter stomach
and prayer, can be good for studying or creative
writing or composing. So basically doing a quiet
inward journey. Reflective analysis, for example,
of whatever you are doing professionally, personally,
particularly if the subject has spiritual or
philosophical bend. It's a good day to begin
memorizing verses, undertaking creative projects
dedicated to spirit or higher ideals, higher
mind, studying Jyotisha or Vedanta, for example.
Vastu and house work. The texts don't highlight
this, but personal experience from some is that
Ekadashi is a good day to declutter and cleanse
as well. See, you're using that Martian energy
of the day. You can declutter as well. Activities
to avoid would be worldly indulgences and heavy
material transactions. Don't think in terms of
too much of food, too much of wealth. Materialistic
plane should be avoided on Ekadashi. This means
do not eat grains when it comes to diet, beans,
meat, alcohol and so on. So sensual pleasure
should be sort of kept at bay just one day, okay.
Don't grumble, it's not 30 days of the month.
Avoid buying new luxurious items, doing big shopping.
The mindset should be one of restraint. Businessmen
in traditional communities sometimes even avoid
monetary transactions on Ekadashi beyond what
is essential. If you run a business, you don't
necessarily shut it down, but you might avoid
making too many large transactions or taking
loans and such. No travel for fun or entertainment
is usually done. Avoid that. It's a day for sitting
quietly. Ekadashi has the strength of going quietly
inward and helping you in your spiritual pursuits.
If you're fasting, certainly avoid heavy manual
labor or high intensity workouts like gym and
so on. That might be unsafe because you're already
fasting. Avoid making life altering decisions
purely in a normal mindset. This is a very fiery
energy, not very grounded. So don't make any
permanent long -term decisions regarding even
your diet or anything on this day. You're in
a different state due to fasting or due to the
fire energy. Some say you see things more clearly,
but others caution. Do not decide until you break
the fast. Like I said, Do not decide anything
on Nanda Tithi as a grounded approach, the Pratipada,
the Shashti, now the Ekadashi. Let the energy
pass, give it a day or two as they say. Suggested
mindset, this is very important in Ekadashi.
Devotional, self controlled, inward focus, something
which you have fought in as a civilization. Treat
Ekadashi as a sacred retreat for your soul. Even
if you are going about your normal work, keep
a corner of your mind for chanting the Lord's
name. Contemplating on different mantras, for
example, higher things, cultivate devotion or
bhakti. This will come how? Only when you tune
in and find out what the energy of the mantra
or the deity is, isn't it? If you just let it
be, it just will be in its place. You have nothing
to do with it. You have to tune in like a radio
station. Replace hunger for food with your bhakti.
It is very psychological in nature. Remind yourself
you are not really fasting. You are feasting
on divine love, for example. Turning the point
of view around. Maintain an aura of peace and
forgiveness. Interestingly, because people fasting
might be irritable, because the stomach is grumbling,
consciously practice patience. That's the idea
of fasting. Self control. The mental mind chatter
control. If someone provokes you, mentally say,
peace, it is Ekadashi and let it go, for example.
Adopt a simple, grateful mindset. Again, something
which we have forgotten. We get too many things
delivered to our doorstep these days, so people
have forgotten the value of what it took to bring
that. Isn't it? Grateful. Be grateful for whatever
you have. Detachment is a key lesson of Ekadashi.
Be mindful and introspective. If you're fasting,
if you're fasting can bring up mental impressions
or desires. Watch them. Learn from them. Also,
it'll be a good idea to ask what is it I'm really
desiring from this? Because everything material,
you're desiring something as a feeling, as an
outcome, isn't it? That's why I give more importance
to Tithi. It's the emotional body. You're looking
to derive some sort of an emotional outcome or
an emotional fruit. so to speak. Examine that.
Be mindful and introspective. Integrity and a
service attitude. An Ekadashi leader is ideally
a servant leader, not ego driven. Encourage others
gently. They might be going through their own
trials. Remember everyone is going through their
own inner challenges and battles. Have compassion
for your fellow being, whoever they might be,
family, friends, otherwise. Keep your focus on
spiritual practice, another aspect of faith.
Faith is letting go. Faith is not necessarily
believing in something. Your belief does nothing
really. You need to recalibrate to what is there
already. The mindset should remain positive and
loving, kindness on this day. It's a day of mercy.
It's a day of forgiving others. It's a day to
elevate yourself, to burn out the seeds of karma.
Karma is burnt in the fire of spirit, your own
spirit, really speaking. Provided you decide
to engage with such kind of devotional activities.
Be devoted to yourself. What is the real self?
Who is the one listening to this? What do I really
want from life? All these deep questions is good
on this day. The diet from the Ayurvedic perspective.
Ekadashi is primarily about fasting or dietary
restraint. So avoid everything heavy like grains
and beans, any heavy foods. There is a lot on
fasting which I shall go through on my notes.
Nirjala Ekadashi, complete fast with no food
or water. This is usually done in Vedic tradition
by many people. These are categories. Sunrise
to next sunrise. This is very intense and recommended
if you're only healthy and used to fasting. Don't
try this like a stunt. Water only fast. You drink
water, maybe with a little lemon, but no solid
food. This is also more doable for many. Herbal
teas can also count. Falahar are having only
fruits, like fruits, fruit juices, milk, yogurt,
nuts. Okay, those kind of. One meal fast. Do
some sattvic meal from sunrise to sunset. This
is what usually people do who are going to work
and other things. They have once a day. Hydration
therefore becomes extremely important. You don't
want to deprive your body of essential minerals,
so you hydrate frequently. And take some cumin,
coriander, fennel tea, that kind of soothing,
gentle energy for the stomach, since it's fasting.
Managing hunger and energy. If you feel weak
or dizzy, it's okay to take something like few
raisins, a spoon of honey in water or some fruit.
Take some sugar. Have some sugar at hand if you're
fasting. There's a lot covered in my notes about
fasting because this is very dominantly popular
in Vedic tradition to fast on this day. Breaking
the fast. Very important to take some Tulsi water
or Amla Indian gooseberry as they help revive
digestion gently. You might then have a normal
breakfast, etc. Breaking the fast. From an Ayurvedic
perspective, Yuka Deshi aligns with low pressure
day in atmosphere. Just thus the body can handle
fasting without food pushing on internal pressure.
It's a natural detox day for all you detox fans.
The 11th day in the lunar month. Herbs and supplements.
If you have herbal powders or supplements, you
might skip non -essential ones on Ekadashi since
stomach is empty if you're doing fast, that is.
Cooking for others. I like this one. If you need
to cook for family who aren't fasting, it's recommended
you keep it simple. You might not want to engage
with very aromatic rich cooking which is very
dominant in Indian subcontinent. very aromatic,
very rich in spices. That's why we have to be
extra cautious compared to other cultures who
have a pretty much bland diet, isn't it? Only
India and the whole world has got seriously spicy
stuff. Anyway, if possible arrange simpler meals
for dependents who have someone else to cook
for that day. The Ikadashi diet is about restraint,
purity and lightness. Even if you're not doing
fasting, okay, just to wrap this up, even if
you're not doing fasting or anything, which I
have gone on and on about from my notes, just
maintain the mindset of tuning into your spirit,
tuning into your internal requirement. Where
is the greed coming from? What is it that I am
feeling lack of? That will be a good, very good
starting place for everyone. Doesn't matter if
you're doing fasting or not. On this day, Quiet
reflection is a better approach. Now let's see
the Krishna and the Shukla parts of this. Let's
see the Shukla Ekadashi right now. Energies of
Rudra, Lord Shiva, in a very fiery form, active
form you might say. Therefore the energy of the
day is fiery, purifying and devotional. A strong
energy for tapas, austerity, fasting and spiritual
clarity. Sort of clarity of the mind even. because
he accumulated a lot of junk along the way in
this life, isn't it? A day of burning of impurities
and aligning with divine will is a good thing
to do. Again, fasting of all kinds we have covered.
The worship or tuning into Vishnu or Shiva, mantra
japa and meditation is good. Night vigils, scriptural
study if you are inclined in that direction.
charity, giving food to people sharing knowledge
with people introspection and refining discipline
what to avoid eating heavy stuff grains, beans
and tamasic foods laziness, indulgence or excessive
material pursuits are best avoided on this day
wasting energy on worldly distractions is not
advised ever Discipline, self -control and devotion
is advised. Focus on clarity, simplicity and
inward illumination. Treat the day as a reset
for body and soul. Diet is traditional fast,
fruits and milk. If food is taken, make it light,
make it satvik kind of approach. Avoid heavy
stuff. Now let's look at Krishna Ekadashi.