By 'upavasa' (fasting) the 'indriyas' (senses) weaken. The mind is then not pulled down by the weakened senses it attains one-pointedness very easily - Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

Nama Article 8th January 2009

 

Source: http://www.namadwaar.org/answers/questions.html

 

How one should undertake a Vrata ('Upavasa')? What are the do's and don'ts while undertaking 'Upavasa'?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

The one performing Upavasa should wake up before sunrise. He should take bath early in the morning chanting the Name of Hari. He should not shave or cut hair on that day. He should refrain from sleeping during the day. At night, he should sleep on the floor and not on comfortable cushioned beds and should refrain from any sensual pleasures. A married man should not sleep with his spouse.

He should not consume any food from outside and that which has been partaken by someone else, and that which has not been offered to the Lord.

He should observe silence or perform Nama Kirtan and always remain in the memory of the Lord.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare