Upvasa( fasting)

8th point

Purifies body and mind, Eliminates toxins Gives rest for the digestive system, develops mental strength and concentration.

1.Meaning of Upavasa: "Upa" is a Sanskrit prefix meaning "proximity", and "vasa" means "to live" or "to reside". Thus, upavasa literally means "to live near the Lord."
On days of fasting, spiritual aspirants should mentally live closer to their Lord. While on ordinary days one balances between objective adjustment and subjective approach, on fasting days (upavasa), one should focus more intently on the Lord rather than mundane duties. This is why fasting days are called upavasa.

2.Fasting Practice in Ananda Marga
• Wholetimers and Local Full-timers (LFTs) fast: On new moon and full moon days (or a day before/after), As well as on Ekadashii days.

3.Breaking the Fast: After sunrise on the day after Ekadashii. First, drink a good amount of lemon water with a little salt. Some practitioners also eat a banana to help clear the bowels.(Note: Although generally food should not be taken before morning sadhana, some make this small exception.)

4. After lemon water and sadhana: Breakfast should be light and digestible.

5. Baba recommended: Starting with very ripe banana, swallowing
▪ small pieces without chewing for a cleansing effect.
▪ Khicuri (a soft rice-lentil preparation) as a main dish.
▪ Yogurt and other fruits (besides bananas) are also good if available. From the noon meal onwards, regular eating can resume.

Fasting on Ekadashii

Fasting is observed on Ekadashii — the eleventh day after the full or new moon.
It begins at sunrise on Ekadashii and continues until sunrise the following day.
Food Timing:
Theoretically, food could be taken between the evening meal of the previous day and sunrise of the fasting day. However, to maintain discipline, it is advisable to only consume water during these night hours.Typically, the fasting period lasts about 36 hours.
Exceptions: If unavoidable, one can fast a day before or after Ekadashii.
Those with medical conditions (e.g., low blood pressure) must obtain permission from the Dharma Pracara Secretary to:
Take lemon-water,
Partially fast, or
Abstain from fasting.

Benefits
During new and full moon periods, the gaseous and aqueous factors rise into the head and chest, causing discomfort (similar to ocean tides).
Fasting (empty digestive tract) helps counteract this by drawing down these factors and restoring mental and physical balance.
Fasting: Helps reduce sexual excitement by checking the overproduction of semen. •Rest the digestive system and eliminate toxins, aiding in curing diseases.
Saves energy otherwise spent in digestion, making it available for sadhana (spiritual practice).
Develops willpower. •Purifies body and mind, Eliminates toxins Gives rest for the digestive system, develops mental strength and concentration.

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