Yesterday's Shattila Ekadashi was viddha, or mixed with dashami. Therefore, fasting takes place today, on dvadashi. We have been doing nirjala-vrata for a bit over a year now. The observance of nirjala-vrata creates great power on the path of devotion. It clarifies the mind, it purifies the heart, and it provides an opportunity to wholeheartedly engage in acts of bhajan while forsaking the call for bodily comforts.

Two weeks back, I came across a suitable mantra for the occasion from Hari-bhakti-vilasa:



In other words, O Achyuta, please give me the strength and the fortitude to go on performing my vrata without fail! It is only for your joy that the vrata is being performed, not for the sake of worldly fruits. You are my sole refuge.

The observance of ekadashi may be divided into four basic classes, in an order of superiority:

1. Eating cooked items, yet avoiding spices except rock salt and pepper. Avoiding grains and beans, avoiding vegetables such as eggplant, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower and radish.
2. Eating fruits and milk. Sour and unripe fruits are best avoided.
3. Drinking liquids, or only water. If the body is weak, one may mix sugar, salt and black pepper with water and drink that.
4. Nirjala: Taking nothing at all.

One should observe fasting to the best of one's capacity. One who performs below his real capacity will not please the Lord with his efforts of fasting. For most people, fasting without water is not a grand accomplishment with a bit of practice and determination -- even if one has to go to work. Take in sufficient liquids and nourishing foodstuffs on the previous day to make it easier for the body.

The observance of ekadashi-vrata should not be made of mere fasting, however. An increase in activities of bhajan is called for. I am currently following a vrata of three lakhs of names and Govardhan parikrama on all ekadashi-days, tripling my regular daily quota. For those chanting less than a lakh, at least a lakh of names should be chanted. For those chanting a lakh, two lakhs is a good quota to chant. One needs to build up the bhajan, to reach above the bottom line, to reach for new heights in devotional practice.

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In other news, I'd like to invite our readers to visit VilasaKunja.Com for inspirational reading. The long-lived Gaudiya Discussions has finally come to the end of its life, and has been recently buried six feet under with grand, festive celebrations. A memorial display of worthy discussions will be put on display momentarily. We have great hopes in creating a place for active, practicing devotees who are determined to go onward on the path of bhajan. Thus today's entry.