Forum

Hare Krishna devotees

I was shocked to hear that some ISKCON temples do not encourage to follow Nirjal Ekadasi. One devotee said that Prabhupada said we do not follow Nirjal Ekadasi, so that is why they do not follow Nirjal here in the temple.
I understand that Prabhupada did not make Nirjal Ekadasi Manditory. But that does not mean that he did not encourage it. Especially if one can do it, then they should by all means try for it. So many great benefits for this fast. In case one accidently broke previous Ekadasi fasts then they can follow this one  with no water and make it up. But Prabhupada said Ekadasi means fast. Not to just avoid all the Ekadasis, then just do Nirjal Ekadasi.NO! We have to follow each and if we can do nirjal then also we should try if possible. We need all the pios credits we can get in Kaliyuga, what to speak of one can go back to Godhead just from this one fast and deliver 100 generations.

Please give your statements with evidence.

Morning Walk. June 7th 1976. Los Angeles

Rämesvara: On the calendar it says it is Bhéma-ekädasi.
Prabhupäda: Bhéma-ekädasi, yes.
Rämesvara: So I’ve been told that if one fasts on Bhéma-ekädasi, that it is like fasting on all the ekädasis. Is that true?
Prabhupäda: Yes. Ekädasi meant for fasting, either Bhéma or Arjuna. But we cannot fast, therefore we have to take little fruits and.... Otherwise, ekädasi means fasting.
Tamäla Krsna: If it is possible, should we go without eating at all?
Prabhupäda: Yes. But don’t lie down and sleep.
Mahendra: Eating mahä-prasädam is also fasting.
Prabhupäda: Who says?
Mahendra: You said that to Paramahamsa Swami once.
Prabhupäda: And you heard from Paramahamsa.
Mahendra: No, I was in the room. It was when he was trying to observe Caturmäsya.
Prabhupäda: I never said that.
Mahendra: Oh, okay, I must have heard wrong.
Prabhupäda: If there is service and, on my fasting, service will be stopped, then I can take. First consideration, service. Now if somebody feels weak, he can take mahä-prasäda, render service.