Amalaki Ekadasi, also written as Amlaki or Aamalaki Ekadashi, occurs during the waxing phase of the moon in February – March. In 2015, the date of Amalaki Ekadasi is March 1. Ekadasi fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. The greatness of Amalaki Ekadashi was narrated by Sage Valmiki and is mentioned in the Brahmanda Purana.

It is believed that by observing Amalaki Ekadasi, a devotee attains Moksha and washes away all the sins committed. Special pujas and offerings are made of Amalaki Tree and Lord Parashurama on the day.

There are numerous folk tales and stories in Puranas that extols the greatness of Amalaki Ekadasi.

Most devotees fast on the day and keep vigil in the night. Those people observing partial fasting abstain from food made of rice.

As this Ekadasi falls before Holi festival the day also forms part of Holi celebrations for some Hindu communities. Thus it is also known as Aanwla and Kunj Ekadasi.

Amalaki Ekadashi is also observed as Papanasini Ekadasi in some regions.

source – http://www.hindu-blog.com/2009/02/amalaki-ekadasi.html

Acts of virtue emerge from deep within, from an inner sanctuary of silence from which inspiration flows. Every action has its seed in a thought and every thought is a creation of the thinker, the soul. I choose what thoughts I want to create and as is my thinking so are my actions and also my experience in life. Going within, I touch the stillness and pure love that lie at the core of my being and every thought that I create is of benefit to myself and of benefit to humanity.

SB 5.5.2 — One can attain the path of liberation from material bondage only by rendering service to highly advanced spiritual personalities. These personalities are impersonalists and devotees. Whether one wants to merge into the Lord’s existence or wants to associate with the Personality of Godhead, one should render service to the mahātmās. For those who are not interested in such activities, who associate with people fond of sex, the path to hell is wide open. The mahātmās are equipoised. They do not see any difference between one living entity and another. They are very peaceful and are fully engaged in devotional service. They are devoid of anger, and they work for the benefit of everyone. They do not behave in any abominable way. Such people are known as mahātmās.

The more positive the thoughts flowing through my mind, the more contented I will feel. It is easy to feel contented when we are praised and appreciated but to remain contented when we are being critised and rejected is the mark of real spiritual strength. The way to develop this level of strength is to learn about God’s way of loving. Only when I am in deep contemplation can I see God showing me the kind of love I need to express so that I myself never reject or critise and always generate good wishes for others. Then I will feel satisfied no matter what life throws at me.

SB 5.5.1 — Lord Ṛṣabhadeva told His sons: My dear boys, of all the living entities who have accepted material bodies in this world, one who has been awarded this human form should not work hard day and night simply for sense gratification, which is available even for dogs and hogs that eat stool. One should engage in penance and austerity to attain the divine position of devotional service. By such activity, one’s heart is purified, and when one attains this position, he attains eternal, blissful life, which is transcendental to material happiness and which continues forever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If through some error yesterday was lost in grief, don’t lose today by keeping it in your memory.

Everyone is compelled to accept a certain type of body offered by the Supreme Lord and thus be allotted different grades of happiness and distress. Therefore even if one artificially leaves home and goes to the forest, he again becomes attached to materialistic life. Family life is compared to a fortress for practicing sense control. When the senses are controlled, one may live either at home or in the forest; there is no difference.

If I allow bitterness and resentment to fester inside, it will make my relationships guarded and unsatisfying. The more I close down to others, the more I become a stranger to myself. By letting go of sorrow and negativity, I can keep my nature open and loving. Remaining open to life, with its constant adventures and opportunities to grow, is the only way to reach my full potential.

Text 29.2b — Everything happening within time, which consists of past, present and future, is merely a dream. That is the secret understanding in all Vedic literature.

Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul. Take time to think, it is the source of power. Take time to read, it is the fountain of wisdom. Take time to love and be loved, it is a God-given privilege. Take time to work, it is the price of success.