EKADASI: The Basic Dos and Don'ts

The ideal way to observe Ekadashi is to fast completely, abstaining from both food and water, and to remain awake throughout the night in devotion. Acknowledging the challenges of modern life, some mahatmas have advised a more practical approach, i.e., to refrain from grains and beans while increasing one’s engagement in devotional activities, such as chanting. 

Not everyone can immediately observe Nirjala Ekadashi (a strict fast without water), which typically falls in June. Progress often takes time, and some may never reach this level of austerity. Rather than presenting Ekadashi as an insurmountable challenge, we should focus on the basics and encourage individuals to observe the fast in a way that is meaningful and sustainable for them.

The Science Behind Fasting on Ekadashi

From a physiological perspective, fasting on Ekadashi is believed to have significant benefits. Grains, in particular, are avoided because they are thought to have a detrimental effect on the body during this time. The moon’s influence on Earth is said to be particularly strong during Ekadashi, affecting water levels and causing natural phenomena such as tidal waves and tsunamis. This lunar influence also impacts the human body, with some studies suggesting that hospital mortality rates peak around Ekadashi.

The retention of water in the body owing to grain consumption is believed to exacerbate these effects, making fasting a means of safeguarding one’s health.

The essence of Ekadashi is to reduce eating and sleeping, thereby creating more time for spiritual practices such as hearing, chanting, and remembering God. Some practitioners observe a strict fast, abstaining from food, water, and sleep, while others consume fruits and milk, dedicating themselves to chanting and scripture reading. The level of austerity one adopts can vary, but it is important to remember that stricter observance is a personal choice and should not be imposed on others.

Although Kurma Purana list additional prohibited vegetables, e.g., carrots, eggplant, and broccoli, it is generally acceptable for devotees to consume vegetables on Ekadashi, provided they avoid grains, beans, and dhal. This has been the stand adopted by mahatmas by Swami Sivananda, for instance. 

Permissible and Prohibited Foods on Ekadashi

To provide clarity, I have compiled lists of foods that can and cannot be consumed on Ekadashi based on traditional practices.

Foods to Avoid:

1. Grains and Pulses: Rice, wheat, barley, millet, rye, chickpeas, soya, all dhals, and dried beans.
2. Derivatives: Foods containing grains or pulses, such as papadams, tofu, pasta, and grain-based beverages.
3. Oils: Corn oil, soya oil, and products fried in these oils.
4. Spices: Powdered asafoetida (hing) and pre-mixed masalas that may contain grain.
5. Other Prohibited Items: Onions, garlic, meat, and animal rennet-based cheeses.

Foods Permitted:

1. Fruits, Roots, and Nuts: All fruits, potatoes, nuts, and seeds (e.g., sesame, mustard, pumpkin).
2. Dairy: Milk, yogurt, paneer, ghee, and unsalted butter.
3. Spices: Whole spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and cumin.
4. Oils: Coconut oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil.
5. Vegetables: Most vegetables, excluding those specifically prohibited by certain traditions.
6. Tomatoes, Carrots, and Eggplant.
7. Peas: Though botanically a fruit, peas are often classified as legumes and are best avoided to err on the side of caution.
8. Sesame and Mustard Seeds: These are seeds, not grains, and are permissible.

Conclusion

The observance of Ekadashi is a deeply spiritual practice. While there are guidelines to follow, the primary focus should be on devotion and mindfulness rather than navigating a complex web of dietary restrictions. Whether you choose to fast completely, avoid grains and beans, or simply reduce your food intake, the essence of Ekadashi lies in dedicating the day to God. Start with small steps, and over time, you may find yourself progressing to more rigorous forms of fasting.