Yogini Ekadashi – is a holiday celebrated during the waning moon in June or July by all those who know the traditions and culture of the Ancient East. Life is given to rise through service to the Supreme.
Various philosophical systems interpret this truth differently: some justify the world from the point of view of the supremacy of Lord Shiva, others – from the point of view of the supremacy of Brahma, others assert the supremacy of Vishnu. In general, the Ancient Vedas are systematized in such a way as to gradually elevate anyone who turns to them to the service of Vishnu.
Pravriti-marg – is the name given to the gradual path of development of divine qualities in an individual. This path involves the worship of various demigods capable of satisfying certain material needs. Nivriti-marg – is a straight path that teaches the worship of Vishnu as the Supreme Personality of God.
It is the Nivriti Marg who explains that all demigods are only devotees of Vishnu performing various functions, while Vishnu does not depend on them, but only accepts their worship. Even Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva are described as great and powerful devotees of Vishnu. Nivriti marg can be said to be called direct because it is based on the development of devotion, which in turn promotes the rapid development of all divine qualities in the individual.
The hierarchicality of being, presented as hell, earth and paradise, forms a kind of vicious circle that holds the soul and does not allow it to constantly preserve what it has by nature. Eternity, knowledge and bliss – the crown of the divine qualities that make up the nature of the soul are not available in heaven, hell, or earth. Everywhere the individual is confused either by material pleasures that are temporary and insignificant, or by material suffering that is inevitable for a soul limited and ignorant of its rights and responsibilities, or by vague prospects that loom and flicker on the land of possibilities. Like a squirrel in a wheel, the soul rotates in this cycle. Yogini Ekadashi is called upon to break this vicious circle.
As for the mentioned Nivriti Marga, the celebration of Yogini Ekadashi through the prism of this path implies three main motives. Firstly, this is fasting for the sake of cleansing from everything discrediting (meaning cleansing from passion and ignorance, that is, from material desires and such shortcomings as envy, anger, greed, etc.). Secondly, this is the fulfillment of duty out of a sense of gratitude (meaning the performance of godly actions – not only fasting, but also other responsibilities – without the desire to receive anything in return). Thirdly, it is the desire to please God, to satisfy Him with your efforts (meaning the desire first of all to take care of God’s devotees and all those who need care and help).
As a result, the celebration of Yogini Ekadashi – is a direct path to the perfection that we once lost.