Ever wondered how the wise ancients observed holidays before the imposition of Sunday as the day of rest came along? Knowing more about Ekadashi, Amavasya, and Pournami will make one lobby for these natural days as holidays given the tremendous possibility they hold for inner well-being. Yogic fasting, which is currently popular as ‘intermittent fasting,’ has existed in Indian culture for millennia and the science behind how celestial bodies affect our health is worth understanding.
Indians go by the Luni-Solar calendar. This means that civilization recognizes that both the Sun and the Moon play a part in our existence on Earth. Ekadashi is a special day that occurs eleven days after the full moon and eleven days after the new moon. Our bodies thus have a cycle that repeats every 40 to 48 days and this is called a “mandala.” During this cycle, there are three specific days when our bodies do not require food. Meaning, it is not a good idea to force the body to eat these days. These special days according to the calendar are called Ekadashis, which happen every forty-eight days. On Ekadashi, the planet itself is in a certain state, and if a Sadhaka or a practitioner understands the significance and the possibilities that these days create, one can keep the body light and available and thereby turn our attention inward. If one consumes food that creates lethargy, then unawareness will persist and the sluggishness will not allow alertness in the system. Therefore, on Ekadashi one misses breakfast and lunch and only eats dinner. If one wishes to fast, it’s important to prepare the body by eating the type of food conducive to yogic practices. However, it is not advisable to deliberately torture oneself by abstaining from food if the body craves it; in short, understand and listen to the needs of the body. Also, fasting might not be suitable for everyone, and keeping the stomach light by only consuming a handful of nuts, milk, fruits, etc., could be consumed correctly as this has benefits. This entire exercise builds self-awareness and allows a Sadhaka to know him/herself better.
Pournami also known as Pournima or the full moon day occurs each month and this day brings a sense of clarity and transparency within the human system. Traditionally, festivals and certain events are aligned with this day as this day has a special aura, and due to the moon’s cycle and the significance of this day, our energies flow differently. Pournami is especially beneficial for feminine energy and is often celebrated by women. For men seeking dissolution or liberation, Amavasya is more suitable. These days have a gravitational impact on our planet, causing a pull on our bodies. If one wants to feel good and have overall well-being, Pournami – the full moon day, is considered sacred. The nature of Pournami, or the full moon, is more feminine, while Amavasya has a primordial and sometimes aggressive quality. From a yogic perspective, Pournami is associated with love and Amavasya with strength. However, we can benefit from both energies. They are part of the natural energy flow.
On the other hand, if one is looking for liberation or spiritual freedom, Amavasya, or the new moon day, is considered sacred. The earth also slows down, creating a great opportunity for inner integration. When things slow down, we become more aware of our bodies. Each of these days has its own special practices and rituals associated with it including fasting. On Amavasya, it becomes easier to distinguish between our true selves and what is not truly us. This awareness sets us on a path from falsehood to truth. The earth seems quieter on Amavasya, and it’s a great time for inner reflection and integration. Every month, the transition from Amavasya to Pournami provides a natural opportunity for growth and transformation. Even for those who are unaware or don’t actively seek it, each Amavasya marks a new beginning and a chance for personal growth so simply paying attention to the calendar and how the cycle of the moon affects our emotions and lives is essential.
Yogic Fasting
When it comes to inner well-being and health, the key isn’t found in external remedies or quick fixes. True health is an inside job—meaning the process starts from within. Every cell in the body has its own intelligence or ‘mind’ and is programmed to create and sustain help. However, most of us are unaware of this and do not aid our very own marvelous creation which is the body to stay at optimum health. In the yogic culture, it is a common practice to maintain an eight-hour gap minimum between-meal consumption. I try my best to eat at around ten in the morning and then around seven in the evening. This crucial interval between foods coupled with other Sadhana and practices is the key to maintaining health and avoiding issues. It takes about six-eight weeks to notice a difference for those who begin and stick to the process of yogic fasting. Those practicing powerful processes such as Shakti Chalana Kriya are aware of how little food and sleep are needed for the body if practices are kept up as an unwavering discipline.
The healthcare system is already overburdened as witnessed and experienced during the pandemic. Non-communicable diseases and issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and other physical and mental ailments are on the rise, especially in first-world countries. Simply relying on the health system while continuing to not pay attention to what is consumed by the body could lead to ill health. Thus the need for a holistic and preventative approach to health. Nature has set this up for us already and a quick download of an app that tracks the cycles of the moon is a great start to observe one’s physical, mental, and emotional patterns and then incorporate yogic practices and disciplined eating to maintain the energy aspects of the body. Paying simple attention to the cycles of nature is key to acquiring health and vitality and being in charge of our well-being. It is no wonder that the ancients observed holidays on Ekadashi days, etc., as living in tune with nature is crucial. Now who can convince the politicians of scraping Sunday as a holiday and instead, incorporate nature-oriented holidays so that even those unaware can naturally benefit?
Image: Pexels
Further reading:
The Difference Between Pournami and Amavasya, retrieved from: https://isha.sadhguru.org/global/en/wisdom/article/what-is-the-difference-between-pournami-and-amavasya
Ekadashi Fasting Explained, retrieved from: https://isha.sadhguru.org/us/en/wisdom/article/what-is-ekadashi-why-to-fast-on-ekadashi