Can We Drink Coffee in Ekadashi Fast
Ekadashi fast is a part of Hindu culture which is kept twice a month. The days of Ekadashi fast are carefully calculated and denoted in the Hindu lunar calendar known as the ‘Panchang’. Depending upon the Panchang, Ekadashi fast can fall in the same month twice or sometimes in two consecutive months. The observance of Ekadashi fast on the given day is a strictly observed practice in India, and with all the rising popularity of coffee worldwide, the question arises, if we can drink coffee in Ekadashi fast.
This Ekadashi fast requires the followers to go without consumed any food, as well as water throughout the day. While this type of fasting amplifies the clarity of the mind, body and soul, the food habits also resort to being a bit strict. Vegetarian food that is infused with ghee, honey and other constituents are usually consumed even a day before Ekadashi fast and sometimes even during the fast.
Caffeine is one of the known ingredients which is not acceptable to consume in Ekadashi fast as it acts as a stimulant and accelerates the heart rate. However, caffeine can induce sleep later in the day, so it is generally not allowed during the fast. According to most religious creeds, coffee should be avoided while observing the Ekadashi fast as it hinders the performance of certain activities and rituals associated with the fast.
Coffee is also known to increase the urge to urinate, as it is a diuretic. It increases the production of urine and so going without water or coffee during the fast is highly recommended. This 13th-14th day fast includes rituals of expressing love and affection towards the deity while observing the fast. The Ekadashi fast is an important aspect of the Hindu culture, and the followers take it very seriously.
The practice of Ekadashi fast is a spiritual practice that is usually followed by NRIs (Non-Resident Indians). NRIs are well aware of the practices of following this fast due to their exposure to the cultural practice in their roots and honor the same. In some instances, coffee and processed energy drinks, although exhorted to be avoided, are irrelevantly consumed in Ekadashi fast. Having coffee or energy drinks is not an offense, but it is considered as a demerit as these drinks can become difficult to consume with the limited water intake that is acceptable.
Experts believe that it is best to avoid caffeine intake throughout the Ekadashi fast as it impairs the spiritual focus on the deity whilst objecting to any celebration that is the part of the Ekadashi fast. The sages and experts have ponderously enforced the notion of avoiding processed food and drinks during the fast. Even though the consequences are not heavily chastised, it is highly recommended to resist the urge of having coffee during the fast.
In conclusion, although having coffee during Ekadashi fast is not considered a misdemeanor, it is best to avoid it in order to adhere to the customs and traditions of the fast. The idea behind abstaining from certain food items is to draw closer to the spiritual aspect of the fast and to open up the spiritual channels. Therefore, having coffee during the fast can create an interference and hinder the achievement of the desired goal.
Can We Drink Tea in Ekadashi Fast
Apart from certain food habits, people observe certain beverage restrictions too while adhering to the Ekadashi fast. Generally, tea and other processed drinks are also avoided as they contain caffeine or are artificially sweetened and loaded with agricultural pesticides and hazardous chemicals. Even though ayurvedic tea can be consumed during the Ekadashi fast, but it is best to develop a habit of skipping it altogether during the spiritual observance.
Processed tea contains artificial aroma and flavour additives and is usually bourne from adulteration. Since we are also advised to consume ayurvedic food and beverages on other days as well, it is best to follow the same protocol during the fast. Having tea or any other processed drink during the fast is not an offense but can become a hurdle in the journey to explore the spiritual aspect of the fast.
People who are experienced in the observance of the fast are known to avoid tea or processed drink throughout the day until they are required to break the fast by consuming a specific beverage. An interesting addition to the food culture is that certain people who live outside their country also commit to this ritual as they were often exposed to these rituals while residing in their home country.
It is quite popular among the believers to finish the fast by offering tea to the deity and then consuming the same. This symbolizes the end of fasting and the restart of the cycle of eating.Tea is often considered as one of the blessings from the almighty, and it’s no surprise then that many devotees staunchly observe the idea of getting tea as a blessing from Him.
Ekadashi fast is usually accompanied by a fast-breaking ritual known as ‘Pahal’ which is quite interesting.Here, a devotee will often offer tea to the deity as an offering and then consume the same to signify the end of the fast.Ekadashi fast is not just about abstaining from food and drinks.It is about connecting and feeling one with the divine power and the energy embodied through Him.Therefore,it is best to skip tea and other processed drinks during the fast.
Fasting and its Benefits
The practice of Ekadashi fast brings many health benefits with it, not just spiritually but physically too. The key to extracting the most out of this fast is following it diligently and avoiding all the temptations that could lead to any breach. Fasting is a form of purification and includes spiritual, mental and physical purification. The fast helps in detoxifying the body, clearing the skin and improving eye health.
It not only increases the physical abilities but also enhances the mental capabilities. It induces a sense of self-awareness and understanding of the purpose of the fast. Fasting also helps the body to create a more efficient digestive system, as the digestive system takes an entire break for a day. During the fast, one can reflect upon the earnest and make an evaluating analysis about his/her decisions and progress.
The subsequent feelings that connect with the fast amplify the inner peace and bring clarity to the individual’s thoughts.The practice of Ekadashi also helps in boosting the immunity system of the body, thereby making it more adept to combat sickness or disease.The fast-breaking ritual which is held after the fast is observed highlights the importance of the traditional culture linking with the current scenario.
Ekadashi not only privileges the heart and improves the functioning of it but also brings intangible benefits along with it.Apart from the detoxification of the body and its organs, the fast also helps in detoxifying the soul and the brain, thereby bringing clarity in the thought process.It has been observed that people have attained better focus and an array of benefits after the fast.
In conclusion, fasting on the day of Ekadashiteaches us how to abstain from certain food items, observe dedicated rituals, hold on to pledge and be flexible to commitments.It is one of the best forms of meditation as one maintains a physical and mental discipline throughout the day. The overall experience brings peace and clarity to the mind and soul.
Tools to Help Observe the Fast
The practice of Ekadashi fast teaches the devotees certain essential principles of self-discipline and commitment. With the increasing popularity of this fast, it has become easier for the devotees to follow the fast and stay organized.With the technology available, smartphone applications have been developed which are especially dedicated to the Ekadashi fast.
These applications remind the devotees about the date of the upcoming Ekadashi as per the Panchang and the rituals that have to be observed throughout the day.It also helps them to stay connected with the divine during the fast by providing mantras and proceedings that are necessary to achieve the desired results and reap out the most from the fast.
Apart from the applications, some online stores also offers fasting items such as special cakes, flowers, jaggery, and fruits specially made for Ekadashi fasts.These items help the devotees offer something to the deity and receive blessings.The devotees are also aware of the common practices that prevail in their culture and try to keep up with the same.
There are certain Ekadashi recipes which the devotees can stock in their kitchen and prepare the same day before the start of the fast.These recipes are basically vegetarian, tasty and mostly loaded with lots of nutrition.These recipes use simple high-quality ingredients like vegetables, lentils and some dairy products as a replacement to meat in order to get indulged more in the spiritual aspect of the fast.
Therefore, devotees who are committed to the practice of the fast have multiple options to choose from in order to get the most benefits from the fasting process.They can use technology, cooking and even online stores to aid their Ekadashi fast.The tools available are helping the devotees stay focused and organized throughout the process.
Special Customs of Ekadashi
Apart from the general practices of Ekadashi fast, there are certain special customs that are observed by the devotees during the fast. These customs are generally practised by the families or communities who observe the fast regularly. Generally celebrated with a special festive atmosphere, these customs help the observer to become more involved in the spiritual aspect of the fast.
Generally, a yagna is performed a day before the start of the Ekadashi fast which praises the deity and marks the beginning of the fast.The devotees feasting on specific vegetarian food and drink the blessed water which is considered as sacred and provides great spiritual benefits.The result of the yagna is taken very seriously and its fruits are used in many religious practices during the Ekadashi fast.
Many devotees also practice for 108 recitations of a particular mantra dedicated to the deity every day during the fast.Frequent recitations are known as ‘japa’, which are usually done along with a rosary.This is known as ‘mala japa’ and is done to please the deity and to receive his blessings for the coming new year.
Apart from chanting the mantras, it is also practiced to observe a vrata to seek special blessings from the deity.A vrata is basically an observance that involves certain restrictions and stipulations like fasting, abstaining from certain activities, practice of certain rituals, etc.The vrata dedicates itself to the wellbeing of the family and fulfilment of wishes.
Though these customs may not be observed in all the households, they contribute in making the experience of Ekadashi fast more special and exemplary. Many households also keep photo frames, idols or any other sacred objects related to their deity in the main room of the house to mark the special observance.
Power of Faith
The power of faith inspires people to observe the Ekadashi fast, to attain the spiritual benefits and expand their horizons.From disciplining our lives to have faith in the almighty, this fast has been a rigorous practice for many centuries.Ekadashi, connecting people to the divine, gives us a chance to revive our faith, revisit the religion and exasperate our culture.
It invigorates all our nerves, eliminating all the beliefs, giving a mental wave and strength to the practice. It gives us organizational ideas, plans for enhancing of our lives, and a deep connection with the divine. The faith and understanding of the fast encourages us to embark upon a higher plane, leading us towards the abode of a greater power who loves us unconditionally.
The power of faith, also known as ‘Bhakti’, is the foundation of any devotional practice. Devotion refers to the undying love,surrender and dedication that one devotes to the almighty and pursues to achieve the desired results. Believing in something and strengthening the faith motivates us to practice self-discipline, act in accordance with the understood rituals and strive towards achieving the desired goals.
Often when devotees observe the Ekadashi fast, it helps them to reconnect with their inner and higher selves, attain peace and tranquillity within.The power of faith contributes to maintain the culture and keep the practices associated with the fast well preserved.
Every fast that is observed has a specific significance and is associated with immense spiritual benefits. Therefore, it is essential to maintain certain principles that should be adhered to while performing the fast.The power of faith gives us the power to maintain discipline and strengthen the trust in-order to attain our goals.
