Day before yesterday was Ekadashi, a day observed by many Brahmin families. Interestingly, the practice of fasting on Ekadashi has scientific backing, as giving the stomach a break can help eliminate accumulated toxins and bacteria, promoting overall health. The hungry stomach eats the bad bacteria on this day.
While some families opt for permitted foods like sabudana, avalakki, or uppittu on this day, swamijis and mathadhipatis often advocate for strict fasting, including abstaining from water (ನಿರ್ಜಲ ಉಪವಾಸ). They sometimes use phrases like 'God's blessings' or 'risk of Naraka darshana or rakshasa janma' to encourage adherence, which can be seen as emotional blackmail!
Today's seniors were once the youngsters of yesteryear, and it's likely many of us didn't even keep track of Ekadashi days. This might be due to our parents prioritising our education, focusing on securing good grades and respectable jobs, and improving our socio-economic status. As we grew older, got married, and settled into our careers, life presented its share of challenges, and we often found ourselves caught up in solving problems. Many of us ended up celebrating major festivals while overlooking smaller ones.
However, the Brahmin heritage seems to persist, even after decades. It's often only when we approach retirement that we begin to reflect on our spiritual lives. That is, brahmin community blood doesn't get transformed so easily even after three decades of violations in practicing traditions. We think of adhyatmik life once we are nearing our retired life. As a result, many of us rediscover our devotion, and activities like daily puja, fasting on Ekadashi, and frequent temple visits become rejuvenated.
Now that we've reached middle or upper-middle-class status as seniors, we're attempting to persuade our children to observe Ekadashi, often citing scientific reasons. My advice to the community is simple and straightforward. Be it for scientific/traditional reasons or for compulsion, I have no take/comment on this transformation of seniors, except that Ekadashi day may be observed on alternate Sundays or on all Sundays.
On a serious note, with a dash of humour, observing Ekadashi on alternate Sundays makes sense for several reasons:
- Not to forget the day of fasting, as the Hindu calendar on some occasions shows the Ekadashi day after 14 days or even 13 days. Our plans get affected as we need to wait for clarification from our respective Swamijis' official broadcasters. If observed on alternate Sundays, then no more confusion about the fasting day, thanks to the complexities of the Hindu calendar.
- To save on a monthly basis 2 day's groceries and food expenses.
- To avoid unnecessary hotel expenses and delivery charges from home-delivery agencies for the food that is usually ordered on Sundays.
- To avoid any expenses that might be incurred on Sundays. This is due to our no-mood mental status and hence bound to stay in-home.
- Steer clear of double Ekadashi, which can be challenging as we face such occasions at least twice in a year.
- To maintain a smooth workflow at the office without incurring blame from superiors.
- To enjoy delicious food at colleagues' celebrations in the office without worrying about fasting.
- To show our inability to provide tiffin and/drinks and throw up our hands to the guests who visit on Sundays. As Sundays are holidays for everyone, relatives or friends often visit our homes.
- To invite acquaintances on Sundays, allowing for casual interactions without excessive hospitality. Let me be a little blunt to clarify here. Invite only on Sundays the contacts whom we don't want to show any hospitality but at the same time we don't want to lose them.
- More time to talk with guests. (provided they visit!)
- Last but not least, to understand who our real well-wishers are!
Eleven reasons to observe Ekadashi on alternate Sundays may be sufficient, in contrast to the observance of the traditional eleventh day of each paksha according to the Hindu calendar! All in all, a practical approach to incorporating spirituality into modern life.
In conclusion, observing Ekadashi on alternate Sundays seems like a practical and sensible approach, bringing together tradition and modern convenience. By doing so, we can rejuvenate our spiritual lives without disrupting our daily routines.
Those who disagree may mention their reasons, backed up with evidence. Thanks and Good day.
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