How to follow ekadashi and purnima/amabasya perfectly? what and how much food/drink allowed in such days?
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How to follow ekadashi and purnima/amabasya perfectly? what and how much food/drink allowed in such days?
Namaste.
I can't speak on Purnima/Amavasya, but I try to follow Ekadasi as best I can. I believe that is all God asks.
Ideally, however, the Ekadasi fast is without so much as water. The absolute restrictions, however, are: no grains (rice, wheat, barley, oats, rye, corn, and I think millet); no legumes (beans, peas, lentils, soy products); I would be wary of fried or sauteed vegetables unless known for a fact olive oil or ghee was used. Vegetable oil is soybean oil.
I limit myself to milk, yogurt, some fruits and green vegs, and water. And even then I keep those to a minimum to the best of my ability. If one has a physical condition that would put health at risk, God does not want that. The fast is for man's discipline and devotion, God does not need a fast, nor does He want His devotees to suffer. This is my belief.
Others can speak better on this, and maybe even correct some things I've said (hopefully before tomorrow :D).
This is what Vaishnava Calendar Services (I am lost without this) has for Ekadasi, Shivaratri and Amavasya on the US east coast:
17 Feb 2012
FridayEkadasi, K, 06:48 , Mula
+SUDDHA EKADASI VRATA: FASTING FOR Vijaya EKADASI
18 Feb 2012
SaturdayDvadasi, K, 06:46 , P.Asadha
+Break fast 06:46 - 10:22 (Daylight savings not considered) Note: I do not know what "Ekadasi preparations only" means.
20 Feb 2012
MondayCaturdasi, K, 06:44 , Sravana
+Siva Ratri (fast - Ekadasi preparations only)
21 Feb 2012
TuesdayAmavasya, K, 06:42 , Dhanista
+Break fast 06:42 - 10:20 (Daylight savings not considered)
+Amavasya