AparA EkAdasii: from the BrahmANDa PurANa

Sri Yudhishthira MahArAj said, “Oh JanArdana, what is the name of the EkAdasii that occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Jyeshtha (May-June) ? I wish to hear from You the glories of this sacred day of Hari. Please narrate everything to me”

Lord Sri Krishna said, “Oh king, your inquiry is wonderful because the answer will benefit the whole human society. This EkAdasii is so sublime and meritorious that even the greatest sins can be erased by its purity.

“Oh great saintly king, the name of this unlimitedly meritorious EkAdasii is AparA EkAdasii. Whoever fasts on this holy day becomes famous all over the universe. Even such sins as killing a brAhmana, a cow, or an embryo; blasphemy; or having sex with another man’s wife are completely eradicated by observing AparA EkAdasii.

“Oh king people who bear false witness are most sinful. A person who falsely or sarcastically glorifies another; one who cheats while weighing something on a scale; one who fails to execute the duties of his varna or Ashrama (an unqualified man’s posing as a brahmin, for example, or a person’s reciting the Vedas wrongly); one who invents his own scriptures; one who cheats others; one who is a charlatan astrologer, a cheating accountant, or a false Ayurvedik doctor – all these are surely as bad as persons who bears false witness, and they are all destined for hellish punishments. But simply by observing AparA EkAdasii, all such sinners become completely free of their sinful reactions.

“Warriors who fall from their kshatriya-dharma and flee the battlefield go to a ferocious hell. But, Oh Yudhishthira, even such a fallen kshatriya, if he observes fasting on the AparA EkAdasii, is freed of that great sinful reaction and goes to heaven.

“That disciple is the greatest sinner who, after receiving a proper spiritual education from his spiritual master, turns around and blasphemes him. Such a so-called disciple suffers unlimitedly. But even he, rascal though he be, if he simply observes AparA EkAdasii, can attain to the spiritual world. Listen, Oh king, as I describe to you further glories of this amazing EkAdasii.

“The merit attained by one who performs all of the following acts of piety is equal to the merit achieved by one who observes AparA EkAdasii: bathing three times daily in Pushkara-kshetra during Kartika (October-November); bathing at Prayag in the month of Magh (January-February) when the sun is in the zodiac of Capricorn; rendering service to Lord Shiva at VarANasi (Benares) during Shiva-ratri; offering oblations to one’s forefathers at GayA; bathing in the sacred Gautami River when Jupiter transits Leo (Simha); having darshan of Lord Shiva at KedArnAtha; seeing Lord BadrinAth when the Sun transits the sign of Aquarius (Kumbha); and bathing at the time of a solar eclipse at Kurukshetra and giving cows, elephants, and gold there in charity. All the merit one gets from performing these pious acts is gained by a person who observes the AparA EkAdasii fast. Also, the merit attained by one who donates a pregnant cow, along with gold and fertile land, is attained by one who fasts on this day.

“In other words, AparA EkAdasii is an axe that cuts down the fully matured forest full of trees of sinful deeds, it is a forest fire that burns sins as if they were kindling firewood, it is the sun blazing before one’s dark misdeeds, and it is a lion stalking the meek deer of impiety.

“Therefore, Oh Yudhishthira, whoever truly fears his past and present sins must observe AparA EkAdasii very strictly. One who does not observe this fast must be born again in the material world, like one bubble among millions in a huge body of water, or like a small ant among all other species. NOTE

“Therefore one must faithfully observe the sacred AparA EkAdasii and worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Trivikrama. One who does so is freed of all his sins and promoted to the abode of Lord Vishnu.

“Oh BhArata, for the benefit of all humanity I have thus described to you this the importance of the holy AparA EkAdasii.

“Anyone who hears or reads this description is certainly freed from all kinds of sins, oh best of saintly kings, Yudhishthira.

H H Mahanidhi Swami Maharaj, after extensive research has updated the
Purushottam Masa Observance instructions, and the Glories of Purushottam
Month.

Purusottama (adhika) Vrata 2010 15th apr— 15th may

I. Introduction

Purusottama month, or adhika masa (extra month) is also called mala masa
(dirty month) by the performers of karma-kanda because they cannot get any
material fruitive results from their worship during this month. Our acaryas
say it is called mala masa because devotional activities performed in this
month destroy the dirt and contamination caused by sins. It is called adhika
(extra) masa because Sri Krsna has placed all His potencies, mercy,
blessings in this month, and also because one gets more results from any
pious act. Only works of devotion (Krsna-bhakti) give results in purusottama
month.

Of all months, Purusottama is Krsna’s favorite month. Lord Sri Krsna is
Purusottama. As Krsna is the supreme among all incarnations, Purusottama is
the supreme among all months. Purusottama month is the holiest month, far
superior to the pious months of Magha, Vaisakha and Karttika. Purusottama
month is worshiped all over the universe by devotees, sages, demigods and
even Laksmi Devi Herself. If one sincerely worships Radha and Krsna in
Purusottama month, he will attain everything. One who observes Purusottama
vrata, will burn up the reactions of all his bad karma and attain the direct
service of Radha and Krsna. Purusottama month is the best month for all
spiritual advancement because Krsna overlooks all the aparadhas. Residence
in the holy dhama in P.M. yields 1000 times the benefit.

II. Gories of purusottama month (from padma and skanda puranas)

1. Lord Sri Krsna: “Purusottama month has all the power I have to bless
its observer. One who follows Purusottama vrata will destroy all his past
sinful reactions. Without performing Purusottama vrata, one cannot perform
pure devotional service. The value of Purusottama month is far more valuable
than all other types of austerities and religious activities mentioned in
the Vedas. Anyone who observes Purusottama vrata will return to my abode,
Goloka, at the end of his life”.

2. Durvasa Muni: “Just by bathing in a holy river during Purusottama
month, one becomes sinless. The glory of all other months is not equal to
one-sixteenth of the glory of the Purusottama month. By bathing in a holy
place, giving charity and chanting the Holy Name of Krsna during Purusottama
month, all miseries are destroyed, one attains all kinds of perfection and
fulfills all his desires”.

3. Valmiki Muni: “By observing Purusottama vrata, one attains more
benefit than performing one hundred horse sacrifices. All holy places live
within the body of a Purusottama month vrati. Anyone who faithfully performs
Purusottama vrata will go to Goloka Vrndavana”.

4. Narada Muni: “Purusottama month is the best of all months, vratas
and austerities. Just by faithfully hearing the glories of Purusottama
month, one attains krsna-bhakti and immediately nullifies his sinful
reactions. One who performs Purusottama vrata properly will attain unlimited
sukrti and go to the spiritual world”.

5. Naimisaranya Sages: “Merciful Purusottama month acts like a desire
tree to fulfill a devotee’s desire”.

III. The Purusottama Vrata

1. Keep celibacy for one month. (Sleep on the floor - optional).

2. Rise in brahma - muhurta time.

3. Chant Hare Krsna Mahamantra and meditate on Radha-Krsna’s rupa,
guna, lila. Daily chant extra rounds: 24, 32, 64.

4. Daily offer ghee lamp to Radha-Krsna Deities or Picture. 33 lamps
daily or at least 1 day in the month.

5. Daily aratika and parikrama of Tulasi Devi.

6. Daily mandira parikrama (4 times).

7. Daily offer Radha-Krsna Deities or Picture roses, lotus flowers and
100,000 Tulasi leaves (or as many as you can).

8. One should bathe everyday before sunrise in a holy place. (At least,
three days in the month).

9. Daily read Srimad Bhagavatam - Radha-Krsna lila ; acaryas say it is
a rule to daily read S.B. 10.14—Brahma stuti.

10. Daily chant Sri Jagannathastakam, Sri Cauragraganya - Purusastakam, Sri
Nanda-Nandanastakam, Jaya Radha Madhava, and other Radha-Krsna bhajanas
and prayers.

11. Take a vow to remain peaceful and truthful throughout the month.

12. Be careful not to blaspheme any devotees, brahmanas, saints, cows,
sastras or vratis. And don’t ask anyone for anything

13. Try your best to please Radha and Krsna by performing devotional
austerities according to your abilities. Don’t break your vow in the
middle of the month.

14. Eat on leaf plates sitting on the floor (optional).

15. No cutting of hair or nails (optional).

16. No cooking in oil or rubbing of oil on your body.

17. No eating or rubbing of mustard oil.

18. Diets: Best to eat once a day after sunset or noon the following diets:
i) only milk ; ii) only fruits (no milk, no veg.); iii)no grains (selected
veg., fruits, nuts, milk); iv) selected foods (all categories as per
caturmasya standards).

19. Hari-bhakti-vilasa (Vol 4, Vs 437): “During Purusottama month, one
should remember Lord Krsna and then donate thirty three milk cakes cooked in
ghee to grhastha brahmanas, who are well versed in sastras. Failing to do
so, one loses all the piety he accumulated in the previous year.”

20. Acaryas say chant daily some japa of Kaundinya Muni’s mantra:
govardhana dharam vande, gopalam gopa rupinam / gokulutsava ne
isanam,govindam gopika priyam. “I worship the lifter of Govardhana Hill, Who
has the beautiful form of a cowherd boy, and who continually plays with the
gopas. He is the Lord of Gokula wherein everyday is a festival.

21. Daily offer 33 dandavats to Bhagavan Sri Krsna or the vaisnavas.

22. Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s P.M. vrata: Perform the Nirapeksa Vrata, which
means 30 days of concentrated, one-pointed worship and service to
Radha-Govinda Yugala by hearing, chanting, remembering Their divine names,
forms, qualities, pastimes. All day and night, hear about Bhagavan Sri
Krsna, chant the Hare Krsna Mahamantra, take mahaprasada.

23. Charity: Best days — Ekadasi, Dvadasi, Purnima, Amavasya, Sravana
Naksatra Day; DO offer money, gold, cloth, shoes, fruits, etc. to brahmanas
and vaisnavas ; Also offer 33 plantains or mangoes plus dana and daksina
—when giving dana (diff. items) to a brahmana, one must simultaneously
donate daksina (money equal to the monetary value of the dana).

IV. Breaking Purusottama Vrata

1. Bathe in brahma-muhurta time, worship Radha-Syamasundara Deities or
Picture, and chant this mantra: “O Supreme Lord, O Sanatana, O Purusottama,
O Lord Hari ! I offer my obeisances unto you. May you and your beloved
Radhika, please accept my offerings. I offer my repeated obeisances unto
Syamasundara, who wears effulgent yellow garments on His beautiful body.

2. Offer puspanjali and obeisances to Radha-Syamasundara Deities or
Picture.

3. Feed and give charity to 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 brahmanas to the best of
your ability (e.g., new clothes, two pairs of shoes, Laksmi). The best
charity is to give a Srimad Bhagavatam to a qualified grhastha vaisnava
brahmana. This act will deliver all your ancestors to the spiritual world
and award them the association of Lord Purusottama !

Special Breaking Actions

1.If you ate fruits, ghee, rice, wheat etc, donate the same to brahmanas.

2.If you slept on the floor, give a bed and pillows to a brahmana.

3.If you ate on a leaf plate, feed brahmanas with ghee and sugar.

4.If you didn’t cut nails or hair, donate a mirror to a brahmana.

5.If you offered ghee lamps, give new lamps and pots to a brahmana.

6.* If you broke any rules or regulations during Purusottama vrata, feed
different sweet juices to brahmanas.

7. Lord Siva says that the best charity is: “Fill a bell metal pot with
thirty malpuas, bind the pot with seven new threads and give to a worthy
brahmana”.

PurusottamA Vrata Ki Jai !!

THE TIGER AND THE MONKEY A STORY TOLD BY LORD RAMACHANDRA
Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja

The Ramayana describes how Lord Rama built a bridge and crossed the ocean to Lanka. Before the battle with Ravana began, Ravana’s youngest brother Vibhishan came to take shelter of Rama. Rama immediately gave him shelter. That is the duty of a king, a ksatriya. If someone seeks shelter, you must give him protection. But the advisors of Lord Rama said, ”No! Don’t give him shelter. He’s from the enemy’s camp. He has come here as a spy.” Lord Rama then told his advisors a story:

Once, a man was passing through a dense jungle. In that forest were many tigers, lions, and ferocious animals. One tiger came to attack that man, so he climbed a tree and saved his life. But the tiger had developed greed to drink human blood. So the tiger sat down underneath the tree to wait. He then noticed a monkey in the tree. He told that monkey, ”You are my brother. This human is your enemy. When you jump from one tree to another to get fruit, the human beats you and throws stones at you. And when you come down to the ground he sends his dog to catch you. Also, human beings cut down trees. So they are your constant enemy. You should understand this. You are very intelligent; you are my brother and my friend. Don’t stay with such an enemy. It is very dangerous. Push that man down from the tree. I am hungry. If you do this then I’ll get food. I’ll satisfy my hunger and our friendship will remain forever. I’ll be very, very grateful to you.”

The monkey replied, ”O my brother tiger, I understand what you have said. But the human being has dharma. Although I am an animal with no dharma, still my conscience says that it is wrong to put one in danger who is trying to save himself.”
Then the tiger thought of another plan. He gave assurance to the man, ”O my brother, you have dharma, you are a human being. Is it not your dharma that you should give food to one who is very hungry? I am very hungry now, you must give food to a hungry jîva. You should push down this monkey, then I’ll get food. The man thought, ”Yes, very good”, and he pushed down the monkey, who fell in front of the tiger. But the tiger didn’t eat him and the monkey climbed back up the tree. The tiger had developed greed to drink human blood, so he didn’t eat the monkey. No one eats the flesh of a monkey.
Then the tiger said, ”O my brother monkey, you see, we are friends! I didn’t harm you. I spared you because we are friends. But see what that irreligious man did. He pushed you down right in front of me. So now you should push him down so that I can satisfy my hunger, and thereby he will get a good lesson. The monkey said, ”This man may be adharmic. Although I am only an animal, I am not adharmic. I cannot do this.”
It is considered that the human birth is a rarely achieved, superior birth. But they have a history of irreligiousness which is not even found in the society of animals.

Bhagavan Ramachandra told this story, and said, ”This is my mission. I have come to establish ideal behavior in human society.” Therefore he is known as maryâdâ-purusottama, the topmost example of and enjoyer of Vedic propriety. He never transgressed veda-maryâdâ, Vedic regulation and etiquette. Lord Ramachandra was the ideal king, father, son, friend, brother, and husband. He was ideal in every respect.

Lord Ramachandra said, ”If someone comes to take shelter of me, I never think of his past history. I immediately give him shelter. Vibhishan has taken shelter of me. I have given him shelter and he is our friend. No one should have any doubt about him. He has been made the commander-in-chief.” This is the nature of Lord Ramachandra.

— From a class on Srîmad Bhâgavatam. Bhubaneswar. 6 February 1995.

(1) accept things favorable for discharging devotional service,
(2) reject things unfavorable,
(3) believe firmly in the Lord’s protection,
(4) feel exclusively dependent on the mercy of the Lord,
(5) have no interest separate from the interest of the Lord, and
(6) always feel oneself meek and humble.

Krsna can easily offer a person material happiness or even liberation, but He does not agree very easily to award a person engagement in His devotional service. Devotional service can in fact be attained only through the mercy of a pure devotee.

The six characteristics of pure devotional service as described by Srila Rupa Goswami.

(1) Pure devotional service brings immediate relief from all kinds of material distress.

(2) Pure devotional service is the beginning of all auspiciousness.

(3) Pure devotional service automatically puts one in transcendental pleasure.

(4) Pure devotional service is rarely achieved.

(5) Those in pure devotional service deride even the conception of liberation.

(6) Pure devotional service is the only means to attract Krsna.

Eight Rules for Better Japa
The rules start with basic mechanical arrangements & end up with the proper mood and meditation. Anyone who follows these eight rules will surely improve his japa and receive delightful rewards from shri-nama.
1. Night before-Give up rice and eating heavy foods at night. Take simple foods such as milk and fruits. By eating a light meal you will sleep soundly, rise early without difficulty, and have full energy for attentive japa the next morning. The night before make a sankalpa or firm vow: “Tomorrow morning, I will chant with full concentration and sincere feelings.” Upon waking, take a full bath or at least wash the mouth, face, hands and feet with cold water before chanting. If you feel sleepy or dull headed, a kirtana with karatals will immediately invigorate the dull mind and purify the environment.
2. Time, Place, Mind-Start chanting very early in the morning, either with devotees, Tulasi-devi, Thakurji, or in a place free from disturbance. Sit before your Deities or Tulasi-devi and chant prayers to Shri Guru and the parampara, the six Gosvamis and the Panca-tattva. Remember Namacharya Thakura Haridasa and pray for his mercy. Pray to the holy name to help you chant with full attention, purely, and free from offenses.
If the mind starts ‘jumping,’ calm it down by prayer, pranayama, or loud chanting. Shri Chaitanya’s Sikasastaka is the ideal prayer to recite and reflect upon before and during japa. A very good technique of concentration is to remember the meaning of the third sloka (trnad api sunicena) throughout the japa period.
3. Chanting Techniques-a) “Sit properly.” Yoga sastras proclaim that sitting straight facilitates concentration: “Right posture makes the mind calm.” (Tantra-raja-tantra 27,59) “For purification of the body and for success in yoga, posture is absolutely necessary.” (Rudra-yamala-tantra 2.24.38-39) “By the practice of good posture the body becomes disease-free, firm and efficient.” (Graha-yamala 2.85)
b) Chant without interruption. Once in Los Angeles, disciples asked Shrila Prabhupada what would please him most. “Chant sixteen rounds of japa at one sitting without interruption!” said Shrila Prabhupada.
c) Be careful to clearly and distinctly pronounce the holy names.
4. Concentration-Collect all thoughts into one; concentrate on the sound vibration.
5. Control the Mind-a) Pull it back when it wanders. Chanters Beware!!! Yoga sastras say that tamo-guna and sleep usually attack a sadhaka after he has practiced one hour of meditation. In other words, after sitting peacefully and chanting japa for one hour, one should be watchful and check his energy and attention levels. If you feel drowsy or dull headed, then chant loudly to shake off tamo-guna; go outside for a japa walk; drink some cold water and splash some on your face; do sirsasana (headstand) for 2 minutes and 10 rounds of pranayama; or a few stretching exercises. Refreshed and invigorated, sit before Tulasi-devi again and renew your japa meditation.
b) Cut the tendency to recall events from yesterday, last week or the year before. The bird of the mind flies on two wings: the past and the future. Cut off the wings. Be here now: Hear, chant and remember-love, serve and surrender! “Forget the past that sleeps; and never the future dream at all. Deal with times that are with you, and progress you shall call.” (Sarnagati) c) Don’t plan today’s duties. If the mind persistenly dwells on the “shopping list” or “things to do today”, then stop briefly, write down the points, and chant japa with a tranquil mind.
6. Absorb Four Qualities-try to fill the mind with the four qualities recommended in the third verse of Shri Chaitanya’s Siksastaka: humility, tolerance, pridelessness and respect for all.
7. Meditation-while chanting, meditate on the form of Radha-Syama or Nityananda-Gauranga, or the meaning of the holy names revealed by the previous acaryas.
8. Mood-chant with a feeling of longing for Krishna, hankering for Krishna and crying for Krishna. “This chanting is exactly like the genuine cry of a child for its mother’s presence.” (Shrila Prabhupada in the Science of Self-Realization) Of course, this should not be done in an artificial way. But rest assured, Shri Krishna will respond to the sincere and helpless cries of a humble devotee chanting with a repentant heart.

By Mahanidhi Swami

Picture Meditation
Sense objects and desires encourage the mind’s natural tendency to run outward. Proper engagement of the senses helps internalize the mind. Scientists have proven that of all the techniques used to stop the oscillatory nature of the mind, those using sound and sight are the most effective. For example, the hypnotist subdues the subject’s mind by capturing his gaze (with a swinging watch), and speaking ina rhythmic monotonous way.
The following concentration technique, which combines sound and sight, perfectly controls the mind and engages it in serving Krishna.
While chanting the holy names-Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare…Gaze steadily at a picture of Krishna (or Radha-Krishna) for five minutes; close the eyes, and internally visualize the picture…Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare…During visualiztion, move the mind over the various limbs of the Lord. Begin with seeing Krishna’s lotus feet in the mind, then gradually rise up His transcendental body to His legs, knees, thighs, silk dhoti, belly, chest, pearl necklaces and garlands, Kaustubha gem, His neck, face eyes, flute, smile, hair, turban, turban ornaments, and peacock feather…Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare…
Then repeat the visualization going back down to Krishna’s lotus feet while continuing to chant Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. If the mental picture fades, open your eyes and gaze again. Then repeat the process of internal visualization five or six times. (The same can be done for Lord Gauranga’s form also) Do not be disturbed if in the beginning you cannot keep the picture of Radha-Krishna in the mind. Vigorous and regular practice of visualization will bring success. With a few months practice, you will clearly be able to visualize the Divine Couple (or Gauranga) smiling within your mind while you chant Hare Krishna in your heart.
Effect of Japa with Meaning
The method of chanting the holy name involves deliberating on the meanings of the syllables along with sincerely crying for the Lord. Success in any yoga system involving mantra meditation depends on remembering the meaning of the mantras being chanted. Patanjali stresses this point in the Yoga-sutra 1.28: “The sacred Om connotes Isvara (Supreme Controller). One should chant japa of Om along with understanding its meaning (yad-japas tad-artha bhavanam). Vyasadeva, the first commentator on the Yoga-sutra, says:
“The yogi who fully understands the relation between the word and the meaning must constantly repeat it, and habituate the mind to the manifestation therein of its meaning. The mind of the yogi who constantly repeats Om, and habituates the mind to the constant manifestation of the idea it carries, becomes one-pointed (ekagrata).”
For yogis of devotion (bhaktas), achieving the state of ekagrata, or one-pointedness of the mind, means to become absorbed in the trancendental sound of Krishna’s holy name.[…]
The practice of remembering the meaning of the mantra with affection is also mentioned in Hari-bhakti-vilasa:
manah samharanam shaucam, maunam mantrartha-cintanam;
avyagratvam anirvedo, japa-sampatti-hetavah.
To be attentive purification of the heart is required. This means keeping silence and avoiding unfavourable talking. While chanting, one must affectionately remember the meaning of the mantra. Steadiness, patience, and attachment to chanting are all treasures of chanting.
Increasing Detemination 1-4-16-64
In Kali-yuga, the mind is so lazy that it wants to quit without even trying. If one is not immediately successful in any attempt, his mind will balk, stammer and whimper, “Oh, I can’t do it. It’s too hard. I quit!” Working a steady job, maintaining a relationship, performing bhakti-sadhana, fasting on Ekadashi, and finishing one’s rounds of harinama are Herculean tasks in this techno age of fast living and low thinking.
Krishna teaches Arjuna that the mind can be strengthened by constant practice and detachment. An empowered mind serving the will of an enlightened master is a most helpful friend on the path of life an devotion. The determination to complete a task requires mental concentration, endeavour, surrender and the mercy of the Lord.
Achieving success in determined acts nourishes determination and enthuses one to undertake more difficult duties. Determination, being a mental power, becomes stronger by practice.
Form from Sound
Material creation begins from sabda or sound, which manifests all the material elements and is present in them. There is sound in ether; sound in air; sound in fire; sound in water; and sound in earth. Although vibration of sound is invisible, it creates visible vibrations in shape of form. In traditional Indian music, there are presiding gods and goddesses for each of the ragas and raginis (melodies) that can be invoked by sound. For example, it is said that when an expert vocalist sings the Vasanta-raga (spring melody), one can see a beautiful youth (Cupid) bedecked with flowers in the sky. In other words, the sound vibrations of the song create a visible form in the sky.
Here is a less esoteric example to understand the relation between sound and form. Every human being has unique individual fingerprints by which he can be identified. Similarly, he also has a “voiceprint” (the sound of his individual speech) by which he can be identified. Consider the example of a telephone call. As soon as you hear the sound of your friend’s voice in the telephone, yo can immediately identify, ‘Oh, it is Mr. So and So.’ Form manifests in the mind as soon as the name is heard and transmitted to the consciousness. This common experience conveys the basic idea of how sound of a person’s voice carries within it the form or picture of the person speaking. In one sense, sound equals form.
The relationship between sound and form is particularly relevant to chanting japa. Just as material sound vibrations produce visible forms, similarly, the transcendental vibration of Krishna’s name produces the visible form of Krishna in the heart of a devotee. When chanting the holy name of Krishna, one will eventually see the form of Krishna. This is because the sound of Krishna’s name carries within it the trancendental form of Krishna as well as His abode, associates and pastimes.
The entire material creation with its unlimited varieties of forms has appeared from sound. Similarly, the trancendental sound of Krishna’s name can dismantle the entire material world, and manifest the divine form of the spiritual world before the eyes of a prema-bhakta.
“Anavrttih sabdat” means, “liberation by sound.” The entire material manifestation began from sound, and sound can also end material entanglement, if it has a particular potency. The particular sound capable of doing this is the transcendental vibration Hare Krishna.” (SB 3.26.32 purp) By taking shelter of the primary element of Krishna’s holy name, one will realize and percieve the Lord’s gorgeous form.
Shrila Prabhupada on remembering Krishna’s pastimes while chanting:
“Regarding your first question, is it offensive to think of Krishna’s Pastimes while chanting, I think you should know that it is not offensive, but rather it is required. One must try for the point when he simply hears Krishna and immediately all of Krishna, His Pastimes, His Form, His Quality, are in his thoughts. So to always be immersed in thoughts of Krishna this is our process. When we are full in Krishna then where there can be any chance for maya in us? So this is our duty to remember Krishna’s Pastimes. One who cannot remember Krishna, let him always hear Hare Krishna and then when he has perfected this art, then always he will remember Krishna, His Activities, His Qualities, etc.
“The answer to your second question is that when one becomes accustomed to inoffensive chanting, then his fruit is that he is promoted to the stage of pure Love of Godhead, or prema. This prema is the perfectional stage of consciousness and the most blissful by very far..”(SPL 12/04/68)
“By constantly chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and remembering the transcendental pastimes of Krishna, one can be fully in Krishna consciousness and thus make his life sublime and fruitful.” (Krishna book Chp 35)
“Memory may be poor. But if you cultivate something, your memory increases. Everyone becomes expert, not in one day, but by cultivation. Similarly, if you try to remember, then your memory will help you to remember. It is not difficult.” (SPC 25/11/68)
It is stated in Bhajana Rahasya by Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura:
“While continuously chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, which is actually glorification of Radha and Krishna, one must remember Their sublime pastimes. If one can’t fix his mind to remembering Krishna’s pastimes, then he should chant the Lord’s principal names like Krishna, Govinda, Syama, Damodara and Giridhari, which will increase one’s attachment to Krishna. If one sings Krishna’s names and remembers His pastimes, he will get the treasure of krishna-prema and eternal residence in Vrndavana.”
manera smarana prana madhura madhura nama, vilasa jugala smriti-sara;
sadhya sadhana ei ara nai iha bai, ei tattva sarva-tattva-sara.
“The Divine Couple’s sweet, sweet holy names in the form of the Hare Krnsa maha-mantra is life for the mind’s memory. Their pastimes are the essence of all kinds of rememberance. Remembering Their pastimes is the both goal and the way to attain perfection. That is the truth of all truths.”
(Prema-bhakti-chandrika by Shrila Narottama Das Thakura, Song 6, text 2)
Eight Rules for Better Japa
The rules start with basic mechanical arrangements & end up with the proper mood and meditation. Anyone who follows these eight rules will surely improve his japa and receive delightful rewards from shri-nama.
1. Night before-Give up rice and eating heavy foods at night. Take simple foods such as milk and fruits. By eating a light meal you will sleep soundly, rise early without difficulty, and have full energy for attentive japa the next morning. The night before make a sankalpa or firm vow: “Tomorrow morning, I will chant with full concentration and sincere feelings.” Upon waking, take a full bath or at least wash the mouth, face, hands and feet with cold water before chanting. If you feel sleepy or dull headed, a kirtana with karatals will immediately invigorate the dull mind and purify the environment.
2. Time, Place, Mind-Start chanting very early in the morning, either with devotees, Tulasi-devi, Thakurji, or in a place free from disturbance. Sit before your Deities or Tulasi-devi and chant prayers to Shri Guru and the parampara, the six Gosvamis and the Panca-tattva. Remember Namacharya Thakura Haridasa and pray for his mercy. Pray to the holy name to help you chant with full attention, purely, and free from offenses.
If the mind starts ‘jumping,’ calm it down by prayer, pranayama, or loud chanting. Shri Chaitanya’s Sikasastaka is the ideal prayer to recite and reflect upon before and during japa. A very good technique of concentration is to remember the meaning of the third sloka (trnad api sunicena) throughout the japa period.
3. Chanting Techniques-a) “Sit properly.” Yoga sastras proclaim that sitting straight facilitates concentration: “Right posture makes the mind calm.” (Tantra-raja-tantra 27,59) “For purification of the body and for success in yoga, posture is absolutely necessary.” (Rudra-yamala-tantra 2.24.38-39) “By the practice of good posture the body becomes disease-free, firm and efficient.” (Graha-yamala 2.85)
b) Chant without interruption. Once in Los Angeles, disciples asked Shrila Prabhupada what would please him most. “Chant sixteen rounds of japa at one sitting without interruption!” said Shrila Prabhupada.
c) Be careful to clearly and distinctly pronounce the holy names.
4. Concentration-Collect all thoughts into one; concentrate on the sound vibration.
5. Control the Mind-a) Pull it back when it wanders. Chanters Beware!!! Yoga sastras say that tamo-guna and sleep usually attack a sadhaka after he has practiced one hour of meditation. In other words, after sitting peacefully and chanting japa for one hour, one should be watchful and check his energy and attention levels. If you feel drowsy or dull headed, then chant loudly to shake off tamo-guna; go outside for a japa walk; drink some cold water and splash some on your face; do sirsasana (headstand) for 2 minutes and 10 rounds of pranayama; or a few stretching exercises. Refreshed and invigorated, sit before Tulasi-devi again and renew your japa meditation.
b) Cut the tendency to recall events from yesterday, last week or the year before. The bird of the mind flies on two wings: the past and the future. Cut off the wings. Be here now: Hear, chant and remember-love, serve and surrender! “Forget the past that sleeps; and never the future dream at all. Deal with times that are with you, and progress you shall call.” (Sarnagati) c) Don’t plan today’s duties. If the mind persistenly dwells on the “shopping list” or “things to do today”, then stop briefly, write down the points, and chant japa with a tranquil mind.
6. Absorb Four Qualities-try to fill the mind with the four qualities recommended in the third verse of Shri Chaitanya’s Siksastaka: humility, tolerance, pridelessness and respect for all.
7. Meditation-while chanting, meditate on the form of Radha-Syama or Nityananda-Gauranga, or the meaning of the holy names revealed by the previous acaryas.
8. Mood-chant with a feeling of longing for Krishna, hankering for Krishna and crying for Krishna. “This chanting is exactly like the genuine cry of a child for its mother’s presence.” (Shrila Prabhupada in the Science of Self-Realization) Of course, this should not be done in an artificial way. But rest assured, Shri Krishna will respond to the sincere and helpless cries of a humble devotee chanting with a repentant heart.
Glories of the Holy Name
One will strengthen his faith and determination to chant japa by repeatedly hearing the wonderful glories of the holy name, and by studying different slokas in praise of nama-bhajana. Such practices are endorsed by the previous acaryas such as Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura who said, “Chant the nama-mahima (glories of the holy name). Practice that daily. I also do that. Harinama is our life.”
Whether chanted correctly or incorrectly, knowingly or unknowingly, carefully or carelessly, the all-powerful name of Krishna will always give results. The unlimited glories of the holy name cannot be understood with logic, reason or intellect. Only by faith, devotion, and constant chanting can one realize the greatness of shri-nama. In this dark age of Kali, krishna-nama is the easiest, quickest, safest and surest way to attain spiritual perfection in love of God. In the matter of self-realization, nama-japa is the “king of all sadhanas.”
Chanting Krishna’s sweet names purifies the heart; sanctifies and steadies the mind; destroys the six enemies [lust, anger, greed, envy, illusion, madness]; stops birth and death; dissolves sins; scorches samskaras; annihilates attachment; induces detachment; uproots desires; empowers one; makes one fearless; removes illusion; bestows supreme peace; delivers prema; reveals the Lord and His dhama; shows one’s svarupa; showers bhakti-rasa; and engages one in his nitya-seva for the pleasure of Radha-Syama.
Nama Reveals the Spiritual Body
Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura clearly explains that the experience of one’s internal spiritual form (siddha deha or svarupa), which is necessary for practicing raganuga-bhakti, is revealed by the grace of Krishna’s holy name. Generally one realizes his spiritual form at the stage of bhava-bhakti. At this stage of perfection, which precedes prema-bhakti, Shri Krishna’s suddha-sattva or svarupa sakti (personal spiritual potency) is transmitted into the heart of the sadhaka from the heart of one of Krishna’s eternal associates. This in turn reveals the specific attributes of one’s eternal spiritual form. By purely chanting the holy name, therefore, one can realize his spiritual body.
Siddha Pranali
Once a grhastha follower of Gaura-kisora dasa Babaji asked for siddha-pranali (ekadasa-bhava initiation). Babaji Maharaja replied, “The Hare Krishna maha-mantra is a siddha-mantra. Within this mantra are the siddha-rupa of the Supreme Lord Krishna and the siddha-rupas of all living entities. If you chant the maha-mantra purely, the syllables of the maha-mantra will gradually reveal the spiritual form, qualities, and pastimes of Shri Krishna. This chanting will also reveal your eternal spiritual form, service, and the eleven particulars of your spiritual identity.”
Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura explains how Krishna’s holy name awards one a spiritual body:
ishat vikashi punah, dekhaya nija rupa-guna, citta hari laya krishna-pasha
purna vikashita haina, vraje more yaya laina, dekhaya more svarupa-vilasa
more siddha-deha diya, krishna-pashe rakhe giya, ei dehera kare sarva-nasha.
“Such is the power He manifests that when His holy name starts to blossom a little further, it then reveals His own divine form and qualities. Thus the holy name steals my heart and takes it to Krishna’s side. When the flower of the holy name is fully blossomed, it takes me directly to Vraja and reveals to me His own love-dalliance. This name awards me my own eternal spiritual body, keeps me right by Krishna’s side, and completely destroys everything related to this mortal frame of mine.” (Shri Nama-Mahatmya from Sharanagati of Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura)
A Story of Faith
To attain the perfection of human life, a sadhaka must have strong faith in his guru and the holy name of Krishna. The following story from the Ramayana shows the power of faith:
After vanquishing Ravana, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya along with Sita-devi and Vibhisana, the pious brother of Ravana. When it was time to return to Shri Lanka, some of the rakshasa attendants of Vibhisana asked how it would be possible to cross the ocean in the absence of the famous bridge (setu), which had now been dismantled. Vibhisana wrote the name ‘Shri Rama’ on an asvattha leaf, tied it in a knot of cloth, and handed it to one of his men while saying, ‘Hold this knot tightly, dive into the water, and you will easily cross the vast ocean to Lanka.’
With implicit faith, the rakshasa held the knot in his hand and jumped in the ocean. Surprisingly, the water was only knee-deep, so he walked across effortlessly. At the mid-way point, however, pride and doubts entered the rakshasa’s mind. He wondered, ‘What is in this knot that my master gave me that works such wonders?’
So he untied the knot, and upon seeing a mere leaf with ‘Shri Rama’ written on it, he began to laugh and scoff at it. Overcome with doubt, he thought, “What is this? How can this name play such havoc with the ocean?” As soon as this doubt rose in his mind, the rakshasa entered a watery grave due to a sudden flood of waves and rough sea.
Know Your Mind
Whether the mind is your best friend or worst enemy-know for sure that he is here to stay. So you had better get to know him. One can understand the ways and habits of the mind through daily introspection, self-analysis or self-examination. If one knows the laws of the mind, it will be easier to control it.
The mind exists not in the physical body, as does the brain, but in the astral body. However, the brain and the mind have intimate connections with the functioning of the physical body. The brain, which is part of the physical body, acts as a computer, carrying out the thoughts of the mind, and transmitting electrical impulses within the body to maintain and control the different life systems.
You cannot see, touch, or weigh the mind. Yet the mind contains all the feelings, ideas, and impressions from this life and all previous lives, as well as intuitive perception of the future. The mind (manah) has three functions: sensation, thought and volition [thinking, feeling, willing]. It also has three aspects: the superconscious mind, the conscious mind, and the subconscious mind. The subconscious serves as a storehouse of memories and past experiences. Intelligence (buddhi) performs the function of discriminating and making decisions.
The mind is like a lake on which rise and fall innumerable waves of thoughts known as vrittis. In the average person thousands of vrittis appear in the mind at every minute. The finite soul is the passive witness of all that is perceived. Thought is the most powerful force in the universe, and it initiates all action. All work is first completed in the mind, and later carried out on the physical plane.
The mind is always conversing with itself, wandering down memory lane, discussing the pros and cons of various options, and planning for the future. One can silence the internal dialogue by loudly chanting Krishna’s holy names and begging for mercy. The Supreme Lord controls every inch of creation, so if He desires He can easily control one pagala-mana, crazy mind.
As previously described, the mind is filled with countless samskaras. Samskaras are grooves or impressions in the mind of any previous experience or acts done in a former state of existence. Habits and desires from a previous life or this life are engrained or embedded in the mind. When these latent habits and desires manifest, the mind pushes one to act in a particular way.
For example, as soon as one sits for japa meditation, all sorts of nonsensical thoughts will manifest to disturb the mind. An astonishing parade of old memories, past enjoyments, future schemes and tasty scenarios will bubble up from the subconscious to spin the mind in a whirlwind of distraction. Thoughts and people, desires and things will gush out in a continuous stream from the subconscious reservoir. One should throw out these material thoughts just as one uproots weeds from the ground. One should fill the garden of the mind with divine thoughts of Krishna’s eternal service and memories of His splendid pastimes.
Yoga sastras teach that in the initial stages of practicing any type of meditation [such as japa meditation], many bad, evil or distracting thoughts will come to the surface of the mind to capture one’s attention. However, one should not feel discouraged or disgusted by this and give up chanting japa. It is a natural phenomenon in meditation that all the evil thoughts, instincts, illusions, delusions, and dark forces hidden in our subconscious will appear on the surface before they die. The German philosopher Hegel used to say, “You have to die to live!”
The determined and continuous chanting of Krishna’s holy names will eventually purify the mind, intelligence and ego. It is only after such purification that further chanting and meditation on the Hare Krishna maha-mantra will yield the fruit of spiritual realization and love of God.
Petitioning the Lord with prayer is very beneficial at every stage of chanting: “Oh Krishna, please help me! Oh Murli-manohara Hari, please capture my mind, control it, and accept it in Your service.” Never despair and do not be discouraged. The constant chanting of Krishna’s holy names will very quickly burn up all desires, illusions, sinful thoughts and memories from the mind.
Solitude and Chanting
The previous acaryas were very particular about chanting in ultra quiet, undisturbed settings. Just imagine how tranquil Vrndavana was five hundred years ago? Yet to avoid any possible distractions, the medieval saint Sanatana Gosvami chanted japa in a cave twenty feet under the ground in Gokula! Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura recommends chanting in a quiet “distraction free zone” to fully concentrate on the holy name. In his house in Godrumadvipa, Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura constructed a small “meditation room” with a thick door to create a quiet place for concentrated japa. He advises sadhakas to make similar arrangements for staying alone in a secluded place in order to absorb the mind in the holy name.
When the mind wanders, one must withdraw it from sense objects and concentrate intently on the mantra. A transcendental sound vibration that can free or deliver (tra or trayate) the mind (mana) from material attraction and attachment is called a mantra. Meditate deeply on the meaning of the maha-mantra. Do not be distracted by random thoughts or external influences. Chant Krishna’s names with feelings of devotion. Lastly and most importantly, one must turn to Krishna in the mood of a beggar, praying intensely for His mercy. Seeing your sincerity, Krishna will surely reciprocate and capture your full attention once again.

- courtesy, http://www.prabhupada.org/rama/?p=4438

Where is Panihati? Panihati is located on the banks of the Ganges 10 miles North of Calcutta, in West Bengal India. It is the site of many wonderful spiritual pastimes of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and His close personal associates. In this region at this time of year June, pre-monsoon it is so hot, often up in the mid-to-high 40 C. The most cooling of foods in such a temperature is yogurt, cool yogurt (dahi or dadhi or doi) This pastime of the Lord is about how the devotees pleased Lord Chaitanya and how the Lord reciprocated with the devotees in a very wonderful and pleasing festival called the Panihati Cida-dadhi mahotsav.

In the village of Panihati, Raghunatha dasa obtained an interview with Nityananda Prabhu who was accompanied by many kirtana performers, servants and others. Sitting on a rock under a tree on the bank of the Ganges, Lord Nityananda seemed as effulgent as hundreds and thousands of rising suns. Many devotees sat on the ground surrounding Him. Seeing the influence of Nityananda Prabhu, Raghunatha dasa was astonished. Raghunatha dasa offered his obeisances by falling prostrate at a distant place, and the servant of Nityananda Prabhu pointed out, “There is Raghunatha dasa, offering You obeisances.”

Hearing this, Lord Nityananda Prabhu said, “You are a thief. Now you have come to see Me. Come here, come here. Today I shall punish you,” the Lord called him, but Raghunatha dasa did not go near the Lord. Then the Lord forcibly caught him and placed His lotus feet upon Raghunatha dasa’s head. “Make a festival and feed all My associates yogurt and chipped rice.” Hearing this, Raghunatha dasa was greatly pleased.

Raghunatha dasa brought chipped rice, yogurt, milk. sweetmeats, sugar, bananas and ether eatables and placed them all around. As soon as they heard that a festival was going to be held, all kinds of brahmanas and other gentlemen began to arrive. Thus there were innumerable people. Seeing the crowd increasing, Raghunatha dasa arranged to get more eatables from other villages. He also brought two to four hundred large, round pots. He also obtained five or seven especially large earthen pots, and in these pots a brahmana began soaking chipped rice for the satisfaction of Lard Nityananda.

In one place, chipped rice was soaked in hot milk in each of the large pots. then half the rice was mixed with yogurt, sugar and bananas. The other half was mixed with condensed milk and a special type of banana known as canpa-kala. Then sugar, clarified butter and camphor were added. After Nityananda Prabhu had changed His cloth far a new one and sat on a raised platform, the brahmana brought before Him the seven huge pots.

On that platform all the most important associates of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, as well as ether important men, sat down in a circle around the Lord. Among them were Ramadasa, Sundarananda, Gadadhara dasa, Murari, Kamalakara, Sadasiva and Purandara. Dhananjaya, Jagadisa, Paramesvara dasa, Mahesa, Gauridas and Hoda Krsnadasa were also there, Similarly, Uddharana Datta Thakura and many other personal associates of the Lord sat on the raised platform with Nityananda Prabhu. No one could count them all.

Hearing about the festival, all kinds of learned scholars, brahmanas and priests went there, Lord Nityananda Prabhu honored them and made them sit on the raised platform with Him. Everyone was offered two earthen pots. In one was put chipped rice with condensed milk and in the ether chipped rice with yogurt. All the other People sat in groups around the platform. No one could count how many people there were. Each and every one of them was supplied two earthen pots, one of chipped rice soaked in yogurt and the other of chipped rice soaked in condensed milk.

Some of the brahmanas, not having gotten a place on the platform, went to the bank of the Ganges with their two earthen pots and soaked their chipped rice there. Others, who could not get a place even on the bank of the Ganges, got down into the water and began eating their two kinds of chipped rice. Thus some sat on the platform ,some at the base of the platform, and some on the bank of the Ganges, and they were all supplied two pots each by the twenty men who distributed the food.

At that time, Raghava Pandita arrived there. Seeing the situation, he began to laugh in great surprise. He brought many other kinds of food cooked in ghee and offered them to the Lord. This prasada he first placed before Lord Nityananda and then distributed among the devotees. Raghava Pandita said to Lord Nityananda, “For You, sir, I have already offered food to the Deity, but You are engaged in a festival here, and so the food is lying there untouched.”

Lord Nityananda replied, “Let Me eat all this food here during the day, and I shall eat at your home at night. I belong to a community of cowherd boys, and therefore I generally have many cowherd associates with Me. I am happy when we eat together in a picnic like this by the sandy bank of the river. Lord Nityananda made Raghava Pandita sit down and had two pots delivered to him also. There were two kinds of chipped rice soaked in them.

When chipped rice had been served to everyone, Lord Nityananda Prabhu, in meditation, brought Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu arrived, Lord Nityananda Prabhu stood up. They then saw how the others were enjoying the chipped rice with yogurt and condensed milk. From each and every pot, Lord Nityananda Prabhu took one morsel of chipped rice and pushed it into the mouth of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu as a joke. In this way Lord Nityananda was walking through all the groups of eaters, and all the Vaisnavas standing there were seeing the fun.

No one could understand what Nityananda Prabhu was doing as He walked about. Some, however, who were very fortunate, could see that Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was also present. Then Nityananda Prabhu smiled and sat down. On His right side He kept four pots of chipped rice that had not been made from boiled paddy. Lord Nityananda offered Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu a place and had Him sit dawn. Then together the two brothers began eating chipped rice. Seeing Cord Caitanya Mahaprabhu eating with Him, Lord Nityananda Prabhu became very happy and exhibited varieties of ecstatic love. Lord Nityananda Prabhu ordered, “All of you eat, chanting the holy name of Hari. Immediately the holy names “Hari Hari” resounded, filling the entire universe.

When all the Vaisnavas were chanting the holy names “Hari Hari” and eating, they remembered how Krsna and Balarama ate with their companions, the cowherd boys, on the bank of the Yamuna. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Nityananda Prabhu are extremely merciful and liberal. It was Raghunatha dasa’s good fortune that They accepted all these dealings. Who can understand the influence and mercy of Lord Nityananda Prabhu? He is so powerful that He induced Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to come eat chipped rice on the bank of the Ganges. All the confidential devotees who were Cowherd boys, headed by Sri Ramadas, were absorbed in ecstatic love. They thought the bank of the Ganges to be the bank of the Yamuna.

When the shopkeepers of many other villages heard about the festival, they arrived there to sell chipped rice, yogurt, sweetmeats and bananas. As they came, bringing all kinds of food, Raghunatha dasa purchased it all. He gave them the price for their goods and later fed them the very same food. Anyone who came to see how these funny things were going on was also fed chipped rice, yogurt and bananas. After Lord Nityananda Prabhu finished eating, He washed His hands and mouth and gave Raghunatha dasa the food remaining in the four pots. There was food remaining in the three other big pots of Lord Nityananda, and a brahmana distributed it to all the devotees, giving a morsel to each. Then a brahmanas brought a flower garland, placed the garland on Nityananda Prabhu’s neck and smeared sandalwood pulp All over His body, When a servant brought betel nuts and offered them to Lord Nityananda, the Lord smiled and chewed them. With His own hands Lord Nityananda Prabhu distributed to all the devotees whatever flower garlands, sandalwood pulp and betel nuts remained

After receiving the remnants of food left by Lord Nityananda Prabhu, Raghunatha dasa, who was greatly happy, ate some and distributed the rest among his own associates. Thus have I described the pastimes of Lord Nityananda Prabhu in relation to the celebrated festival of chipped rice and yogurt.

Pandava nirjala Ekadasi
Story source: Brahma-Vaivarta Purana

During the hottest season (northern hemisphere), if one can perform
upavasa without water one is performing a great feat. One may take only
charanamrita and achman water. Bhima requested one vrata day by which he
could obtain the fruits of all the other days of vrata that he was incapable
of observing.

Vyasadeva advised him to follow this difficult vrata.

One should worship the Lord in the evening by bathing him in milk. On the
dvadasi one should give full pots of water to Brahmanas and feed them before
breaking one’s fast.

SAMVATSARASYA YA MADHYE EKADASYO BHAVANTI HI TASAM PHALAM AVAPNOTI PUTRA ME
NA ATRA SAMSAYAH ITI MAM KESAVAH PRAHA SANKHA CAKRA GADADHARAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 15/25 from PADMA Purana Vyasadeva speaks to Bhimasena)

Oh son, Lord Keshava, Who holds the club, disk, conch and lotus flower in
His hand, personally told me that all of the merit achieved by fasting on
whatever Ekadashis fall in one year can be attained by fasting on this one
Ekadashi (nirjala Ekadashi). Of this, there is no doubt.

The Story of Pandava nirjala Ekadashi: Pandava nirjala Ekadashi -
Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadashi - from Brahma-Vaivarta Purana.

Once Bhimasena, the younger brother of Maharaja Yudhisthira, asked the
great sage Srila Vyasadeva, the grandfather of the Pandavas, if it is
possible to return to the spiritual world without having observed all the
rules and regulations of the Ekadashi fasts.

Bhimasena then spoke as follows, “Oh greatly intelligent and learned
grandfather, my brother Yudhisthira, my dear mother Kunti, and my beloved
wife Draupadi, as well as Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, fast completely on
each Ekadashi and strictly follow all the rules, guidelines and regulative
injunctions of that sacred day. Being very religious, they always tell me
that I should also fast on that day too. But, Oh learned grandfather, I tell
them that I cannot live without eating, because as the son of Vayudeva -
Samanaprana, (the digestive air) hunger is unbearable to me. I can give
widely in charity and worship Lord Keshava properly with all manner of
wonderful upacharas (items), but I cannot be asked to fast on Ekadashi.
Please tell me how I can obtain the same merits result without fasting.”

Hearing these words, the grandsire of Bhima, Srila Vyasadeva said, “If you
want to go to the heavenly planets and avoid the hellish planets, you should
indeed observe a fast on both the light and dark Ekadashis.”

Bhima replied, “Oh great saintly intelligent grandfather, please listen to
my plea. Oh greatest of munis, since I cannot live if I eat only once in a
day, how can I possibly live if I fast completely? Within my stomach burns a
special fire named Vrika, the fire of digestion. Agni the fire-god, descends
from Lord Vishnu through Brahma, from Brahma to Angirasa, from Angirasa to
Brihaspathi, and from Brihaspathi to Samyu, who was Agni'’ father. He is the
gatekeeper in charge of Nairritti, the south-eastern direction. He is one of
the eight material elements, and Parikshit Maharaja, he is very expert at
examining things. He examined Maharaja Shibi once by turning into a dove
(for further information on this incident see Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupada’s Srimad Bhagavatam commentary to 1:12:20. Purport.)

Agni is divided into three categories; Davagni, the fire in wood,
Jatharagni, the fire in the digestion in the stomach, and Vadavagni, the
fire that creates fog when hot and cold streams mix in for example the
ocean. Another name for the fire of digestion is Vrika. It is this powerful
fire that resided in Bhima’s stomach.

Only when I eat to my full satisfaction does the fire in my stomach become
satisfied. Oh great sage, I might possibly be able to fast only once, so I
beg that you tell me of an Ekadashi that is worthy of my fasting and that
includes all other Ekadashis. I shall faithfully observe that fast and
hopefully still become eligible for liberation’s release.”

Srila Vyasadeva replied, Oh king, you have heard from me about the various
kinds of occupational duties, such as elaborate Vedic ceremonies and pujas.
In the Kali-yuga, however, no one will be able to observe all these
occupational & functional duties properly. I shall therefore tell you how,
at practically no expense, one can endure some small austerity and achieve
the greatest benefit and resultant happiness. The essence of what is written
in the Vedic literatures known as the Puranas is that one should not eat on
either the dark or light fortnight Ekadashis.” As stated in Srimad
Bhagavatam (Mahabhagavat Puranam) 12:13:12 and 15.) the Bhagavat Puranam is
itself the essence or cream of all Vedanta philosophy (sara-vedanta-saram),
and the Srimad Bhagavatam’s unequivocal message is that of full surrender to
Lord Sri Krishna and the rendering of loving devotional service to Him.
Observing Ekadashi strictly is a great aid in that process, and here Srila
Vyasadeva is simply stressing to Bhima the importance of the Ekadashi
vratam. “One who fasts on Ekadashis saved from going to the hellish
planets.”

Hearing Srila Vyasadeva’s words, the son of Vayu, Bhimasena, the strongest
of all warriors, became frightened and began to shake like a leaf on a
banyan tree in a strong wind. The frightened Bhimasena then said, “Oh
grandfather, what should I do? I am completely unable and ill equipped to
fast twice in a month throughout the year! Please tell me of the one fasting
day that will bestow the greatest benefit upon me!”

Vyasadeva replied, “Without drinking even water, you should fast on the
Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha
(May-June) when the sun travels in the sign of Taurus (Vrishabh) and Gemini
(Mithun), According to learned personalities, on this day one may bathe and
perform Achamana for pratiprokshana purification. But while performing
Achamana one may drink only that amount of water equal to a drop of gold, or
that amount it takes to immerse a single mustard seed. Only this amount of
water should be placed in the right palm for sipping, which one should form
to resemble a cow’s ear. If one drinks more water than this, he might as
well have drunk wine -
despite the soaring heat of summer (in the northern hemisphere and cold in
the southern hemisphere).

“One must certainly not eat anything, for if he does so he breaks his
fast.
This rigid fast is in effect from sunrise on the Ekadashi day to sunrise on
the dwadashi day. If a person endeavours to observe this great fast very
strictly, he easily achieves the result of observing all twenty-four other
Ekadashi fasts throughout the entire year.

“On dwadashi the devotee should bathe early in the morning. Then,
according to the prescribed rules, guidelines and regulative injunctions,
and of course depending on his ability, he should give some gold and water
to worthy Brahmanas. Finally, he should cheerfully honour prasadam with a
Brahmana.

“Oh Bhimasena, one who can fast on this special Ekadashi in this manner
reaps the benefit of having fasted on every Ekadashi during the year. There
is no doubt of this, nor should there be. Oh Bhima, now hear the specific
merit one gets by fasting on this Ekadashi. The Supreme Lord Keshava, who
holds a conch, discus, club and lotus, personally told me, `Everyone should
take shelter of Me and follow My instructions.’ Then He told me that one who
fasts on this Ekadashi, without taking even drinking water or eating,
becomes free of all sinful reactions, and that one who observes the
difficult nirjala fast on Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadashi truly reaps the benefit
of all other Ekadashi fasts.

“Oh Bhimasena, in the Kali-yuga, the age of quarrel and hypocrisy, when
all the principles of the Vedas will have been destroyed or greatly
minimised, and when there will be no proper charity or observance of the
ancient Vedic principles and ceremonies, how will there be any means of
purifying the self? But there is the opportunity to fast on Ekadashi and
become free of all one’s past sins.

“Oh son of Vayu, what more can I say to you? You should not eat during the
Ekadashis that occur during the dark and light fortnights, and you should
even give up drinking water (nir = no jala= water) on the particularly
auspicious Ekadashi day of Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadashi. Oh Vrikodara (veracious
eater),whoever fasts on this Ekadashi receives the merits of bathing in all
the places of pilgrimage, giving all kinds of charities to worthy persons,
and fasting on all the dark and light Ekadashis throughout the year, in one
go. Of this there is no doubt.

Oh tiger among men, whoever fasts on this Ekadashi truly becomes a great
person and achieves all manner of opulence and wealth, grains, strength, and
health.

And at the fearful moment of death, the terrible Yamadutas, whose
complexions are yellow and black and who brandish huge maces and twirl
mystic pasha ropes in the air for binding their victims, will refuse to
approach him. Rather, such a faithful soul will at once be taken to the
supreme abode of Lord Vishnu by the Vishnu-dutas, whose transcendentally
beautiful forms are clothed in gorgeous yellowish garments and who each hold
a disk, club, conch and lotus in their four hands, resembling Lord Vishnu.
It is to gain all these benefits that one should certainly fast on this very
auspicious and important Ekadashi, even from water.”

When the other Pandavas heard about the benefits to be gained by following
Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadashi, they resolved to observe it exactly as their
grandfather Srila Vyasadeva had explained it to their brother, Bhimasena.

All the Pandavas observed it by refraining from eating or drinking
anything, and thus this day is also known as Pandava nirjala Dwadashi
(technically it is a Maha-Dwadashi).

Srila Vyasadeva continued, Oh Bhimasen, therefore you should observe this
important fast to remove all your past sinful reactions. You should pray to
the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna in this way making your
sankalpa declaration, `Oh Lord of all the devas (demigods), Oh Supreme
Personality of Godhead, today I shall observe Ekadashi without taking any
water. Oh unlimited Anantadev, I shall break fast on the next day,
dwadashi.’

Thereafter, to remove all his sins, the devotee should honour this
Ekadashi fast with full faith in the Lord and with full control over his
senses.

Whether his sins are equal in volume to Mount Sumeru or to Mandarachala
Hill, if he or she observes this Ekadashi, the sins that have been
accumulated all become nullified and are burned to ashes. Such is the great
power of this Ekadashi.

“Oh best of human beings, although a person should also give water and
cows in charity during this Ekadashi, if for some reason or other he cannot,
then he should give a qualified Brahmana some cloth or a pot filled with
water.

Indeed, the merit achieved by giving water alone equals that gained by
giving gold ten million times a day.

“Oh Bhima, Lord Sri Krishna has said that whoever observes this Ekadashi
should take a Holy bath, give charity to a worthy person, chant the Lord’s
Holy names on a japa-mala, and perform some kind of recommended sacrifice,
for by doing these things on this day one receives imperishable benefits.
There is no need to perform any other kind of religious duty. Observance of
this Ekadashi fast alone promotes one to the supreme abode of Sri Vishnu. Oh
best of the Kurus, if one donates gold, cloth, or anything else on this day,
the merit one obtains is imperishable.

“Remember, whosoever eats any grains on Ekadashi becomes contaminated by
sin and verily eats only sin. In effect, he has already become a dog-eater,
and after death he suffers a hellish existence. But he who observes this
sacred Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadashi and gives something in charity certainly
achieves liberation from the cycle of repeated birth and death and attains
to the supreme abode. Observing this Ekadashi, which is merged with
dwadashi, frees one from the horrible sin of killing a Brahmana, drinking
liquor and wine, becoming envious of one’s spiritual master and ignoring his
instructions, and continually telling lies.

“Furthermore, Oh best of beings (Jivottama), any man or woman who observes
this fast properly and worships the Supreme Lord Jalashayi (He who sleeps on
the water), and who on the next day satisfies a qualified Brahmana with nice
sweets and a donation of cows and money - such a person certainly pleases
the Supreme Lord Vasudeva, so much so that one hundred previous generations
in his family undoubtedly go to the Supreme Lord’s abode, even though they
may have been very sinful, of bad character, and guilty of suicide, etc.
Indeed, one who observes this amazing Ekadashi rides on a glorious celestial
airplane (vimana) to the Lord’s abode.

“One who on this day gives a Brahmana a waterpot, an umbrella, or shoes
surely goes to the heavenly planets. Indeed, he who simply hears these
glories also attains to the transcendental abode of the Supreme Lord, Shri
Vishnu. Whoever performs the Shraddha ceremony to the forefathers on the
dark-moon day called amavasya, particularly if it occurs at the time of a
solar eclipse undoubtedly achieves great merit. But this same merit is
achieved by him who simply hears this sacred narration - so powerful and so
dear to the Lord is this Ekadashi.

“One should clean his teeth properly and, without eating or drinking,
observe this Ekadashi to please the Supreme Lord, Keshava. On the day after
Ekadashi one should worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His form
as Trivikrama by offering Him water, flowers, incense, and a brightly
burning lamp. Then the devotee should pray from the heart, `Oh God of gods,
Oh deliverer of everyone, Oh Hrishikesha, master of the senses, kindly
bestow upon me the gift of liberation, though I can offer you nothing
greater than this humble pot filled with water.’ Then the devotee should
donate the waterpot to a Brahmana.

“Oh Bhimasena, after this Ekadashi fast and donating the recommended items
according to his ability, the devotee should feed Brahmanas and thereafter
honour prasadam silently.”

Srila Vyasadeva concluded, “I strongly urge you to fast on this
auspicious, purifying, sin-devouring dwadashi in just the way I have
outlined. Thus you will be completely freed of all sins and reach the
supreme abode.”

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadashi, or
Bhimaseni-nirjala Ekadashi, from the Brahma-vaivarta Purana