The intent behind writing this article is that I have been fasting on ekadashis for almost 15 years now. Early on, in my childhood, I did so because I was told, and I had seen my parents doing it. However, I realized only recently why it is done. Apart from my staunch faith in Hinduism, I understood that it has a vast scientific basis which goes on to prove the fact that all rituals (especially of Hinduism) are not based on vague statements but have always been built on quantifiable phenomenon.
Ekadashi is a Sanskrit word, literally meaning one more after ten, which makes it 11. It refers to the process of undertaking fasting on the eleventh day of the two cycles in a month of the Hindu calendar. Technically, these two cycles are called Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha (the waxing and waning of the moon). Thus, there are about 24 ekadashis in a year. However, this is the majorly known reason.
Additionally, the number 11 is also significant because ekadashi refers to the act of refraining oneself (the five gnan indriyas – the sense organs, the five karma indriyas – organs of action, and the antahkaran – inner instrument/mind) from indulging in worldly pleasures. It is also referred to the day of internal cleansing – of the body and of the soul. One is expected to abstain from grains and other processed food while consuming only nature-based diet such as fruits. Although there are certain exceptions to this; some ekadashis demand abstaining from liquids, and even water. Such as ekadashi is known as a nirjala upvaas (a waterless fast).
I shall first be elaborating on physiological advantages of observing a fast and then move on to describe the psychological benefits. “The atmospheric pressure is the lowest on the ekadashi days. Thus, this is the best time to fast and cleanse the bowel system. If we fast on any other day, the high pressure/strain may damage our system” (Singh, n. d.). This explains the influence of the moon and its magnetism on the human body and the flow of natural fluids in the body.
Apart from this, it also goes on to give the digestive system a break or a rest as it may have been overworked due to previous indiscriminate consumption of unhealthy food and overeating. Furthermore, a study conducted in 2007 at the University of California, Berkeley went on to prove that intermittent fasting was associated with reduced chances of cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes. Many Ayurvedic doctors (Astro, 2019) also believe that observance of ekadashi could lead to a prolonged lifespan, however, research is yet to substitute this. The presence of chakras, which is psycho-somatic, and psycho-physical is also influenced by fasting.
Preliminary evidence suggests that fasting interventions may have a positive effect on anxiety, depression, and body mass index reduction without increasing fatigue (Berthelot et al., 2021). Doctors also believe that initially fasting may lead to headaches, but after a while the toxins begin to drain which causes the body to have a clearer blood stream. This leads to the sharpness and alertness of the senses, followed by clearer thoughts and improved memory. The concept of self-gratification is one of importance to the field of psychology. Freud has talked about it in length in his theories by elaborating on the id principle. Thus, will power and hence, self-gratification is improved by abstaining from food and other sense pleasures. This proves to be helpful in the long run for obvious reasons.
To conclude this article, I would like to emphasize on the spiritual facets of this topic. As previously mentioned, when all the ten indriyas and the antahkaran are drawn in and are isolated from the external world, we have a chance to purify our thoughts and refocus on matters which actually matter. On a cosmical level, family feuds and break-ups are insignificant, and ekadashi is an opportunity that reminds us that the ultimate truth and purpose of human life is salvation, or moksha. The jiva-atma (soul) must be nourished with spirituality and divinity in order to tread this path and hence, ekadashi proves to be instrumental.
-By Harshini Pandya (student pursuing BSc in Clinical Psychology who is extremely passionate about Hindu Dharma)
