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Home , Chaturthi, Ekadashi, Kamada Ekadashi, Nirjala Ekadashi, Sankashti Chaturthi, Sattvic diet

Monthly Moon Cycle Routines Masa-charya of & for Cleansing & Wellness Dr. Vivek Shanbhag, ND, MD(), BAMS, CYEd

Presenter: Dr. Vivek Shanbhag is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor, Ayurvedic Expert, Professor & Best-seller Author with over 30 years’ experience. He can be contacted at 408-876-0636 and [email protected]. He is the Founder-Director of www.YogaAyurveda.org – Natural Medicine Clinic & Academy in San Jose & Los Gatos, California. He is adjunct faculty at Bastyr University, Mount Madonna Ayurveda College, Vedika Global and Kerala Ayurveda. His 16 years clinical training includes ND at Bastyr University, MD-Ayu at Poona University, BAMS at Karnataka University & Educator at Karnataka University. He specializes in integrating Ayurveda, Naturopathic Medicine & Yoga to treat acute and chronic diseases. During 1989 thru 2006, for 17 years in Seattle, he was the Founder-Director of AYU Ayurvedic Academy & Clinic. In 2006, he sold this successful institution to Kerala Ayurveda. During 1991-96, he was the Chairman of Ayurveda Department at Bastyr University. During 1985-88 he was Head of Ayurvedic Research Institute, Pune. He is best-seller author of “Beginner’s Introduction to Ayurveda” by Keats Publishing. Recently, he won international Awards for Excellence in Ayurvedic Teaching and Practice. He is a sought-after keynote speaker at national and international conferences in the fields of Ayurveda, Naturopathic Medicine, Yoga, Wellness and Nutrition.

Description: This presentation addresses today’s issue of illness-causing-toxins of Western diet and lifestyle and how to create wellness with lifestyle management approach of Masa-charya(monthly routine). It is based on Swastha-vritta of Ayurveda which recommends routines(charya) for all natural time cycles like daily(dina-charya), monthly(masa-charya), seasonal(ritu-charya) and life(ayu-charya). The masa-charya is based on the moon’s phases and is specifically related to 4th day (Chaturthi) and 11th day (Ekadashi) of both the waxing and waning phases of moon. This cleansing and wellness masa-charya includes specific do’s and don’ts about diet, and lifestyle on 4th and 11th day of moon’s waxing and waning. These routines have been culturally incorporated into the Vedic lifestyle and are misunderstood as “religious rituals or fasts”. This presentation will explain the Ayurvedic and Yogic rationale of Masa-charya.

The presentation directly relates to conference theme “Ayurveda Today!” as it addresses today’s issue of illness-causing-toxins in today’s diet and lifestyle and creates wellness with Ayurvedic lifestyle of easy cleansing and rejuvenation of Masa-Charya. It brings Ayurveda in modern lifestyle while keeping traditional integrity. The practical approach is convenient for busy people. As Masa-Charya is rarely discussed in Ayurvedic programs in the US, this presentation is geared to Ayurvedic students, graduates and practitioners: new and advanced.

Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this presentation, the participants will be able to: 1. Address today’s issue of illness-causing-toxins in current common diet and lifestyle 2. Explain the Ayurvedic and Yogic rationale of Masa-charya(monthly routine) 3. Describe waxing and waning phases of moon with relation to the 4th day (Chaturthi) and the 11th day (Ekadashi) 4. Use cleansing and wellness monthly routines (Masa-charya) including specific do’s and don’ts about diet, herbs and lifestyle 5. Discard misunderstanding about Vedic lifestyle

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Introduction and Outline: Gayathri Mantra: Ayurveda acknowledges that (microcosm) human wellness on all levels is influenced by the (macrocosm) 24 hour/daily sun cycle, 28 day/monthly moon cycle, 12 month yearly/4 season earth cycle, 120 years life cycle.

Om bhur bhuva swa tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhi mahi Dhiyo yo na pracho dayaat

"I salute the earth, the space, the sun, the galaxies, the entire universe and the universal consciousness which operates the universe. I meditate on the of the universal consciousness which inspires my individual consciousness"

Wellness Routines (swastha-vritta) for Nature's Cycles: 1. Daily Sun Cycle = 24 hours: daily routines(dina-charya) 2. Monthly Moon Cycle = 28 days: monthly routines(masa-charya) 3. Yearly Earth Cycle = 365 days/12 months/4 Seasons: seasonal routines(ritu-charya) 4. Life Cycle = 120 years: Life routines(ayu-charya)

Monthly Moon Cycle Routines (Masa-charya of Chaturthi & Ekadashi) Diet Herbs Lifestyle

Chaturthi Chaturthi or Chaviti is the fourth day () of any lunar month in the Vedic calendar.

Sankashti Chaturthi is the 4th day of the waning lunar phase after the full moon. If this Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday it is called Angarki Chaturthi. On this day, the scriptures recommend a fast which is broken at night after having darshan/auspicious sight of the moon preceded by prayers.

The ‘Vratha’ (fast)during each month, has a different name. Each ‘Vratha’ (fast) has a purpose and is explained by a story known as the ‘Vratha Katha’. The Vedic calendar has one extra month every 4 years. Accordingly, the names of 13 months and the corresponding fast(Vratha) are: Masa - Vikata Maha Ganapati - Vinayaka Peeta Vaishaka Masa - Chanakra Raja Ekadanta Ganapathi - Srichakra Peeta Jeshta Masa - Pingala Maha Ganapati - Sri Shakthi Ganapathi Peeta Ashada Masa - Gajaanana Ganapati - Peeta Shravana Masa - Maha Ganapati - Ganapathi Peeta Bhadrapada Masa - Vignaraja Maha Ganapati - Vigneshwara Peeta Ashweeja Masa - Vakrathunda Maha Ganapati - Bhuvaneshwari Peeta Karthika Masa - Ganadipa Maha Ganapati - Peeta Margashira Masa - Akuratha Maha Ganapati - Peeta Pushya Masa - Lambodara Maha Ganapati - Soura Peeta

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Maga Masa - Dwijapriya Maha Ganapati - Samanya Peeta Palguna Masa - Balachandra Maha Ganapati - Agama Peeta Adika Masa - Vibhuvana Palaka Maha Ganapati - Doorva Bilva Patra Peeta

Ekadashi

Ekadashi (Sanskrit: एकादशी, ekādaśī, "Eleven"), also spelled as Ekadasi, is the eleventh lunar day (Tithi) of the shukla (bright) or krishna (dark) (fortnight) of every lunar month in the Vedic calendar (Panchang). In the Vedic and Jain traditions it is considered a spiritually beneficial day. Scriptures recommend observing a (ideally waterless) fast from sunrise on the day of Ekadashi to sunrise on the day following Ekadashi. The scriptures teach that it is especially important to avoid all beans and all on this day and that one should eat only , and milk products on this day. The Ekadashi day is recognized as the best of all days to fast because it is on this day of the moon phase in which the rays of the moon actually nourish the subtle nerves and feelings of the heart. Two occur in one month according to positions of the moon. The progression of the moon from full moon to new moon is divided into fifteen equal arcs. Each arc measures one lunar day, called "tithi": The time it takes the moon to traverse that distance is the length of that lunar day. Ekadashi refers to the 11 tithi( lunar day). The eleventh tithi therefore corresponds to a precise phase of the waxing and waning moon: In the bright half of the lunar month, the moon will appear roughly 3/4th bright on Ekadashi, and in the dark half of the lunar month, the moon will be about 3/4th dark on Ekadashi. 16 January(Friday)Shattila Ekadashi 30 January(Friday)Jaya Ekadashi 14 February(Saturday)Vijaya Ekadashi 15 February(Sunday)Vaishnava Vijaya Ekadashi 28 February(Saturday)Amalaki Ekadashi 16 March(Monday)Papmochani Ekadashi 30 March(Monday) 14 April(Tuesday) 29 April(Wednesday)Mohini Ekadashi 13 May(Wednesday)Apara Ekadashi 14May(Thursday)Apara Ekadashi Vaishnava Apara Ekadashi 29May(Friday) 12June(Friday) Ekadashi 27June(Saturday)Padmini Ekadashi 11July(Saturday)Parama Ekadashi 27July(Monday)Devshayani Ekadashi 09August(Sunday)Kamika Ekadashi 25August(Tuesday)Shravana Putrada Ekadashi 08September(Tuesday)Aja Ekadashi 23September(Wednesday)Parsva Ekadashi 24September(Thursday)Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi

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07October(Wednesday)Indira Ekadashi 08October(Thursday)Vaishnava Indira Ekadashi 23October(Friday)Papankusha Ekadashi 06November(Friday) Ekadashi 21November(Saturday)Devutthana Ekadashi 06December(Sunday)Utpanna Ekadashi 21December(Monday)

General Dietary Guidelines for Chaturthi & Ekadashi

Sattvic Diet Sattvic diet is meant to include food and eating habit that is "pure, essential, natural, vital, energy- containing, clean, conscious, true, honest, and wise". Sattvic diet makes us feel calm, alert and refreshed. Sattvic diet places emphasis on lacto-vegetarian ingredients that is fresh, seasonal, and naturally sourced (non-processed). All six flavors - sweet, salt, sour, pungent, bitter and astringent is preferably present in a Sattvic diet, at least on rotational basis, as each of these tastes are considered vital. –moderation in quantity of food is considered a key practice in sattvic diet, which implies not over-eating. Sattvic diet should include primarily freshly prepared and warm, slightly unctuous (moist, oily) on palate, small portions, eaten at a moderate pace (not gulped, nor very slow) and started when hungry (not as habit). Further, a Sattvic diet pays attention to one's particular physical and biological needs. The preferred sequence in a Sattvic diet is: Protein-rich salty and fibrous foods at the start of a meal, followed by ripe vegetables (salad), and then fruits.

Fresh Organic Ripe Fruits: Apples, apricots, bananas, berries, dates, grapes, melons, lemons, mangoes, oranges, peaches and plums.

Fresh Organic Dairy: Milk, , (), fresh home-made cheese (paneer), whey and fresh yogurt, especially lassi

Fresh nuts and that haven’t been overly roasted and salted: , , pine nuts, , seeds, pumpkin seeds and seeds.

Cold-pressed , and flax oil.

Organic Vegetables: Beets, carrots, celery, cucumbers, green leafy veggies, sweet potatoes and squash.

Whole Grains: Organic, well cooked , whole wheat, , and . Lightly roasting the grains before cooking to remove heavy quality. Yeasted breads are not recommended unless toasted. Wheat and other grains can be sprouted before cooking as well. Favorite preparations are kicharee (basmati rice cooked with split mung beans, ghee and mild spices), (rice cooked with milk and sweetened), chapathis (non-leavened whole wheat flat bread), (sometimes made very watery and cooked with herbs) and sprouted bread.

Legumes: Split mung beans, yellow split peas, organic , bean sprouts, and aduki beans all well prepared.

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Sweeteners: raw and raw sugar (not refined).

Spices: Mild spices including , , , , , , , fresh and

Sattvic Medicinal Herbs used to directly support in the mind and in : Ashwagandha, bacopa, calamus, gotu kola, gingko, jatamansi, purnarnava, shatavari, , shankhapushpi, tulsi and .

Rajasic Diet Rajasic foods are those that have an over-stimulating effect on the mind and body. They make us feel agitated. These foods lead to aggressiveness and irritability, and are often obtained in a way that harms another organism.

Examples include: caffeinated drinks (such as , (both black and green), cola drinks, and energy drinks), brown or black , paan, biloba, overly spicy food, salty food, and the unfertilized egg.

Pungent veggies like hot peppers, and

Rajasic spices like , cloves, mustard, red pepper, jalapeno, and garlic

Tamasic Diet Tamasic foods are those that have a sedative effect on the mind and body. They make us feel tired and sluggish. In general, they are considered detrimental. They can cause mental dullness and physical numbness.

Examples include: , fish, the fertilized egg, onion, garlic, , , chive, , alcoholic beverages, , blue cheese, eggplant, opium, and any food which has been kept overnight before consumption. Processed foods are considered tamasic. Stale food, overcooked or over-spiced foods are also considered inappropriate. Extreme emphasis or over-eating one or few flavors is considered Tamasic.

Gas-forming veggies such as and potatoes are considered tamasic.

Specific Foods to be preferred on Ekadashi Organic fruits (fresh & dried), Organic nuts & oils, Organic natural sweeteners, , Potatoes, cassava, sweet potatoes, Coconut, Olives, Milk, Fresh ginger, Black pepper, Rock salt,

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Specific Foods to be avoided on Ekadashi: All grains (e.g.: millet, barley, farina, rice, udad dahl flour) and products derived from these articles; Peas, chickpeas, dahl and all types of beans, including derived products like tofu; Salt, baking soda, baking powder, custard and sweets mixed with rice powder; Sesame seeds Spices such as asafetida, cloves, fenugreek, mustard, tamarind, fennel, cardamom and nutmeg

Lifestyle Guidelines for Chaturthi & Ekadashi

Sattvic Lifestyle to be followed in all aspects like intention, thought, words, action, habit, and behavior, character/personality (not just a policy or code/guideline)

5 - moral/social/universal guidelines/codes of conduct: 1. : Non Violence (/kindness) 2. : Non-lying/Truth in intention/thought/words/action 3. Asteya: Non-stealing(not taking what does not belong to you or what is not given freely) attention, time, privacy, space, credit, robbery, theft, shoplifting 4. Brahmacharya: behavior/routine which keeps us closer to the forces of creation, traditionally sexual abstinence, broader context: avoid waste of vital energy 5. Aparigraha: Non-greed, Taking or keeping more than essential

5 -personal guidelines/codes of conduct: 1. Shauch-Purity/cleanliness of body/senses/organs/elimination/dress//thought/words/actions- environment 2. Santosh-contentment/hopeful/positive attitude 3. Svadhyaya-Self Study/introspection/self-reflection/awareness 4. - Discipline of thought/words/actions/behavior/daily, weekly, monthly disciplines 5. Ishvarpranidhan-surrender

Copyright 2015 belongs to: Dr. Vivek Shanbhag, a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor, Ayurvedic Expert, Professor & Best-seller Author with over 30 years’ experience. He can be contacted at 408-876-0636 and [email protected]. He is the Founder-Director of www.YogaAyurveda.org – Natural Medicine Clinic & Academy in San Jose & Los Gatos, California. He is adjunct faculty at Bastyr University, Mount Madonna Ayurveda College, Vedika Global and Kerala Ayurveda. His 16 years clinical training includes ND at Bastyr University, MD-Ayu at Poona University, BAMS at Karnataka University & Yoga Educator at Karnataka University. He specializes in integrating Ayurveda, Naturopathic Medicine & Yoga to treat acute and chronic diseases. During 1989 thru 2006, for 17 years in Seattle, he was the Founder-Director of AYU Ayurvedic Academy & Clinic. In 2006, he sold this successful institution to Kerala Ayurveda. During 1991-96, he was the Chairman of Ayurveda Department at Bastyr University. During 1985-88 he was Head of Ayurvedic Research Institute, Pune. He is best-seller author of “Beginner’s Introduction to Ayurveda” by Keats Publishing. Recently, he won international Awards for Excellence in Ayurvedic Teaching and Practice. He is a sought-after keynote speaker at national and international conferences in the fields of Ayurveda, Naturopathic Medicine, Yoga, Wellness and Nutrition.

Document provided to and used by NAMA with permission from: Dr. Vivek Shanbhag, ND, MD-Ayu, BAMS, CYEd www.YogaAyurveda.org

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