2nd June 2020

Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi

We had 1000 participants. This is a very special Ekadasi. This is known as Pandava Nirajala Ekadasi. It derives the benefits of the other 23 Ekadasis. This is not mental speculation, but it is actually mentioned in the scriptures. Take the benefit of this Ekadasi. The Lord has invested all His energies in this day. We will get purified by observing this Ekadasi. The benefit derived from this Ekadasi is equal to the benefit derived from 23 Ekadasis. So let’s take the full advantage of this Ekadasi.

This is a very powerful Ekadasi. This is a very important day. By observing this Ekadasi we get that potency and we become potent also. That potent purifies also. All the sins are eradicated by observing this Ekadasi. It’s not just another day. This is a powerful and special day. It is just like sometimes we say time is powerful. It will release us from all the sins we have committed knowingly or unknowingly.

Vyasadev gave this benediction to Bhimsen. Once Bhimsen said, “I am the son of Vayudev (god of the wind). I am not able to observe fasting on Ekadasi. My elder brother Yudhishtira, Arjuna, Nakul and Sahadev can follow this. Even Draupadi is able to observe Ekadasi, but I am not able to observe fasting on an even single Ekadasi. What should I do so that I can get the benefit of all Ekadasis?”
In response, Srila Vyasadev said, “Please observe at least one Ekadasi. And that day there will be no eating, no drinking, not even water. If you could do that, then you will derive the benefit of other 23 Ekadasis.”
So this is how the deal was made.

The other Pandavas came to know that this benediction has been given by Srila Vyasadev to Bhimsen. They said, “Give this benediction to us also and we will observe this Ekadasi and derive the same benefit.” Vyasadev is the shaktyavesha incarnation of the Lord. Vyasadev then said, “If you observe this Nirjala Ekadasi, you all will get the same benediction and your life will be successful.” In this way, they all started observing this Ekadasi. From that day onwards, this Ekadasi is known as Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi. We also got this benediction through The Pandavas. Then why not take full advantage of this Ekadasi? We should fast from grains as well as from maya, especially fasting from Maya.

Feasting for Krsna and Fasting from Maya

If possible then please don’t waste your time on the internet and newspaper reading. By this you can save your time and that time can be utilised in more chanting. Dedicate your whole day to chanting and hearing. It will give you lots of benefits.

Today please all of you observe complete fasting. Fasting is not just about avoiding grains and prasada. Fasting literally means to come near to Krsna. How can you come near to the Lord? By hearing, chanting the holy names and in the association of devotees we can come near to the Lord very soon. Then we will be benefitted by the presence and association of the Lord.

We should hear stories of bravery and chivalry of the Lord in Srila Prabhupada books. When we hear and chant, Krsna is near to us. Then we relish the presence of the Lord. Spend your time chanting and hearing. Don’t go to the internet and social media. It is a complete waste of time. Avoid it.

You can utilise more time chanting, hearing and kirtana. This gives you real benediction.

Even you won’t be able to believe how much you’ll progress. Today is the day of progress and advancement, so take full advantage.

I request you all to chant 64 rounds. Sri Candrika, are you ready? How many of you have pledged to chant 64 rounds? Right now we have a full day, but slowly other businesses will open. Use this in the service of Krsna. Slowly lockdown is also releasing, but all of you don’t indulge in this material world. Don’t work so hard that you won’t be able to chant 64 rounds on Nirjala Ekadasi. We have to minimise our money making business, because it is temporary.

atyāhāraḥ prayāsaś ca
prajalpo niyamāgrahaḥ
jana-saṅgaś ca laulyaṁ ca
ṣaḍbhir bhaktir vinaśyati

Translation:
One’s devotional service is spoiled when he becomes too entangled in the following six activities: (1) eating more than necessary or collecting more funds than required; (2) over-endeavouring for mundane things that are very difficult to obtain; (3) talking unnecessarily about mundane subject matters; (4) practicing the scriptural rules and regulations only for the sake of following them and not for the sake of spiritual advancement, or rejecting the rules and regulations of the scriptures and working independently or whimsically; (5) associating with worldly-minded persons who are not interested in Kṛṣṇa consciousness; and (6) being greedy for mundane achievements. (NOI Verse 2)

1. atyaharah – over-accumulation, overeating
2. prayasas–over-endeavour
3. prajalpo–unnecessary talk,
4. agrahah niyama – negligence and obsession of rules
5. jana-saṅgaś – association with worldly-minded persons, with non-devotees
6. laulyam –fickle-mindedness, ardent longing or greed

These things will spoil our devotion. Save yourself and save your energy and give your attention to devotional service. Store your energy and use it in the service of Krsna. Chant and associate with devotees. This is the investment for our bright future.

The above six causes will spoil our bhakti. The other 6 causes will enhance our devotional service. Leave all those which are unfavourable to our devotional service and accept those which are favourable for our success in devotional service.

Bhaktivinoda Thakur also said that we should analyse our sadhana on every Ekadasi. You can analyse the last two weeks of your sadhana on Ekadasi and see where you have to improve, what is your strength and what is your weakness, how was your sadhana, seva study. You may be struggling for getting up late in the morning or eating more. Note it down and between two Ekadasis what good things you have done. Carry on those good habits. Whatever your weaknesses are, you may improve.

Today is the auspicious day of resolution. Talk less and work and chant more. So many chanting have left. I can continue chanting with you for some time. Please continue your chanting. We can chant. Tomorrow you can report about your chanting on Ekadasi. You can share your experiences in the next session and give attention to the 6 favourable causes which will uplift our devotional service . Now we will stop here. I wish that this day brings bliss to all of us and you can share your experience in the next chat session. You can share Krsna’s message with friends and relatives. This is bodhyanta parasparaam.

In this way we can spread the truth to everyone. You can write your thinking and resolution in the chat box. I wish all of you a good day. You can share your thoughts on Nirjala Ekadasi in the next session. Hare Krishna.