Fasting

[soulsearch]

What does strict fasting actually mean? Can somebody advice about fasting for Mercury- Wednesday.

Thank You
Regards

[Vinay Jha]

Oxygen, water and food, in descending order are most essential needs for survival of us all. Hence, (1) prānāyāma, (2) nirjalā upavāsa like nirjalā ekādashi, and (3) simple fasting but with water taken, are regarded as most popular methods of tapasyā. There are other kinds of tapasyā, like āsana-siddhi, which is essential for samādhi.

Fasting loosens the bond of flesh and spirit. It uplifts the jeeva in kundali towards higher states of existence, away from sinful and unconscious states.

According to pandits, fasting for Mercury should begin from that Wednesday when Moon is in Vishākhā asterism (nakshatra). But if such conditions are far away, then any Wednesday can be chosen. Least number is fasting for seven successive Wednesday. There is no end of maximum number.

For japa, Mercury's Vaidika mantra is preferable. Tantrika mantra sometimes gives adverse results. Number of japa-mantras may be one or ten or 100 mālās. Some people prefer green clothes after bathing before sitting for japa.

On last Wednesday, havana with honey, curd and cow's ghee is necessary, followed with donation of green clothes, fruits, etc and feeding green grass to cows.

On fasting days, any of the three types of dietary regimes may be selected : (1) total fasting for 24 hours without water, (2) total fasting for 24 hours with water, (3) ekbhukta-vrata, ie, one meal after sun-dial's noon and before sunset, preferably around 1-3 pm, strictly comprising of havishyānna (eg, white rice, cow's ghee, moong pulse, cow's milk, sugar, without any spices or oils or salts). Abstinence from sex, observance of truth, etc should not be forgotten.

Sāttvika lifestyle on all days will enhance the benefit manifold. Sometimes, after a few days or weeks of end of these vratas, people relapse into old habits, and gradually the beneficial effects of vratas wither away.

Regular sandhyā-vandana and karma according to one's dharma will enhance beneficial results.

-Vinay Jhā

[prasanna]

Dear sister, MJ,


                  I feel your question is answered in right way by right person, Sri Vinay jha .  I really wish to thank him for his excellent description about  strict fasting .


My special  thanks to him for quoting the following :-


Sāttvika lifestyle on all days will enhance the benefit manifold. Sometimes, after a few days or weeks of end of these vratas, people relapse into old habits, and gradually the beneficial effects of vratas wither away.

Regular sandhyā-vandana and karma according to one's dharma will enhance beneficial results.


Along with Japa,  I think one can recite Vishnu Sahasranama Stothras  while performing Wednesday vrathas.


Regards,

[soulsearch]

Thank you so much for your responses.

Regards
MJ