Baba
Wrong moon calculation could ruin fasting
Namaskar,
As we all know, the Ananda Marga system of fasting brings amazing regenerative and recuperative benefits for the physical body - and for the mental body as well.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
10 hours to enter fasting mode
To maximize the curative powers in the physical realm, there is a key point to know about:
- The body does not enter a condition of fasting until ten hours after one completes their last meal.
Consider this: Each and every fasting day - whether it be ekadashii, amavasya (new moon), or purnima (full moon) - has a beginning time and an ending time, as per the moon / lunar calendar. And, the fasting day is selected accordingly. However, if we account for the fact that the body does not enter into a true state of fasting until 10 hours after the last meal, that can actually alter the day that we ought to fast - if we wish to get the greatest regenerative effect.
After all, it is quite common and a regular daily habit for people to eat food in the evening time and not eat again for another 10 hours when they take their breakfast. That is a standard routine for ordinary citizens all over the globe; and, many may even go longer until they eat their breakfast. So as Ananda Margiis we really cannot think of those initial 10 hours as part of our fasting regimen, as per the moon calendar.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Case study: fasting day changes
For example, take this as a case study from May 2023 for the time zone of Lima, Peru (-5).
The suggested fasting day was May 30 (Tue) for ekadashii. And the start time was 05/29 at 15:38 (3:38pm), and the ending time was 05/30 at 16:16 (4:16pm). Thus, by basic calculations, it looks like May 30th will be the ideal fasting day as there are more hours of the fasting period on the 30th (more than 16 hours) in comparison to the 29th (just over 8 hours).
However, if we take into consideration the 10-hour period after the last meal when the body finally enters into fasting mode, the calculation changes.
* Let's say one eats dinner on the 28th at 8p, then their true fasting will start at 6a on the 29th, and since the ekadashii starts at 3:38pm they will get 8 hrs and 22 min of peak time on the 29th plus another 8 or 10 hours or (maybe more) on the 30th, depending upon when they break fast, which means at least 16 hours of fasting during ekadashii.
* Whereas if one eats dinner on the 29th at 8p, then their true fasting will start at 6a on the 30th and since the ekadashii concludes at 4:16pm they will get 8 hrs and 16 min of peak time fasting on the 29th - and that's it. The rest of their fasting is outside of those ekadashii hours.
By the above analysis, clearly the 29th of May 2023 was the more advantageous day to fast, not the 30th of May. And this is not a one-time affair. If you take into consideration the 10-hour window for allowing the body to enter into fasting mode, there are numerous occasions where the suggested fasting for ekadashii, amavasya, and purniima will change.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Conclusion
Sadguru Baba has given all the systems and guidelines to lead an ideal life. And the AM process of fasting clearly gives great benefits. As Ananda Margiis, it is incumbent upon us to deeply study His divine guidelines, use our rational intellect, and apply His teachings properly in our practical lives. If we follow this comprehensive approach with regards to the selection of our fasting days, it is quite evident that the best way to calculate the ideal fasting day is to take into consideration the 10-hour window after the last meal. Then we will truly derive the maximum benefits of the fast.
In Him,
Purusottoma
In a succinct manner, Baba outlines the overall physical benefit of fasting.
Ananda Marga Yogic Treatments states, “During fasting the body’s organs get a good rest, and the healing process is more rapid.” (1)
References
1. Yogic Treatments and Natural Remedies, Appendix F
== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==
Tales of lowly sadhaka
"Tomár káche ámár prashna, shono ogo bedardii,
Práńii keno kende áse, hese báncalo ná yadi..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0726)
Purport:
My Parama Purusa I have a few questions for You. Please listen: O’ "unkind" one.
What a liila You have made. When infants are born, instantly they cry. Why did You not make it in the opposite way. Do You think that if they were born smiling they could not survive? When You create everything by Your mere thought, then what is the reason for not making it so everyone is always laughing, full of smiles, and feeling happy. Please tell me O' "unkind" One.
The tender new bud blossom gets bitten by insects and destroyed. Such a “callous” liila You play. You fill the heart of the sweet, soft flower with nectar but that very honey is eaten away by the ugly black bumble bee. Why do You do like this, and not do the exact opposite?
When smiles and laughter bring new charm and rejuvenation into the life of everyone, then why is it not available in the market, so rich persons also can purchase some and become happy? My next query is, “Why is it that the small, little baby, which is as gentle as a flower, cries bitterly all the 24 hrs. Such a painful liila You have created. To what end do You not make them smile always.
My Parama Purusa, I have some more questions for You.
You have created this entire creation then why have You made so much disparity. A small few are enjoying their dainties and delicacies by exploiting others while the exploited mass is starving without even a plain meal to eat. Why don’t You make the world a place where no one exploits anyone else.
At the time of the evening sunset, everything is very beautiful, charming, and so attractive, and then within a very short time the evening is lost in deep darkness. Why do You not allow this sweetness to last forever.
Parama Purusa, it is the cosmic truth that You are eternally living with each and everyone through Your ota and prota yoga. In spite of this, why does my mind often go in a negative direction. Why does this happen? Why don't You just do the exact opposite.
My Parama Purusa, please reply to all these questions whispering the answers in my ears…
Note for Prabhat Samgiita #0726:
Only when some sort of relation exists can one accuse someone.
This song is the expression of 3rd class bhaktas. Such bhaktas are better than atheists in that they have a relation with Parama Purusa and they are communicating with Him, but their mind is not elevated. So they cannot think above mundane loss and gain. After doing long sadhana and a lot of selfless service they progress and forget about all these mundane questions.
When one’s relation with Parama Purusa is very high and based on a deeper personal relation, they become a first class bhakta. Then they only ask for bhakti from Parama Purusa. Because Prabhat Samgiita is for everyone it carries all kinds of colours and shades. This song is for 3rd class bhaktas.
"Tomár káche ámár prashna, shono ogo bedardii,
Práńii keno kende áse, hese báncalo ná yadi..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0726)
Purport:
My Parama Purusa I have a few questions for You. Please listen: O’ "unkind" one.
What a liila You have made. When infants are born, instantly they cry. Why did You not make it in the opposite way. Do You think that if they were born smiling they could not survive? When You create everything by Your mere thought, then what is the reason for not making it so everyone is always laughing, full of smiles, and feeling happy. Please tell me O' "unkind" One.
The tender new bud blossom gets bitten by insects and destroyed. Such a “callous” liila You play. You fill the heart of the sweet, soft flower with nectar but that very honey is eaten away by the ugly black bumble bee. Why do You do like this, and not do the exact opposite?
When smiles and laughter bring new charm and rejuvenation into the life of everyone, then why is it not available in the market, so rich persons also can purchase some and become happy? My next query is, “Why is it that the small, little baby, which is as gentle as a flower, cries bitterly all the 24 hrs. Such a painful liila You have created. To what end do You not make them smile always.
My Parama Purusa, I have some more questions for You.
You have created this entire creation then why have You made so much disparity. A small few are enjoying their dainties and delicacies by exploiting others while the exploited mass is starving without even a plain meal to eat. Why don’t You make the world a place where no one exploits anyone else.
At the time of the evening sunset, everything is very beautiful, charming, and so attractive, and then within a very short time the evening is lost in deep darkness. Why do You not allow this sweetness to last forever.
Parama Purusa, it is the cosmic truth that You are eternally living with each and everyone through Your ota and prota yoga. In spite of this, why does my mind often go in a negative direction. Why does this happen? Why don't You just do the exact opposite.
My Parama Purusa, please reply to all these questions whispering the answers in my ears…
Note for Prabhat Samgiita #0726:
Only when some sort of relation exists can one accuse someone.
This song is the expression of 3rd class bhaktas. Such bhaktas are better than atheists in that they have a relation with Parama Purusa and they are communicating with Him, but their mind is not elevated. So they cannot think above mundane loss and gain. After doing long sadhana and a lot of selfless service they progress and forget about all these mundane questions.
When one’s relation with Parama Purusa is very high and based on a deeper personal relation, they become a first class bhakta. Then they only ask for bhakti from Parama Purusa. Because Prabhat Samgiita is for everyone it carries all kinds of colours and shades. This song is for 3rd class bhaktas.
== Section 3: Links ==
Postings to Read
Story: describing His beauty & charm
Sadhaka life over the ages
Who received this blessing
Remedy for debased thinking
Fame today
Prout's view of legalized cannabis
