There is a saying: the day truly begins only when a person awakens to the right path. When someone understands the purpose of life and walks on the proper spiritual track, only then does the day become meaningful and blissful. Otherwise, a person simply keeps wandering in search of happiness. Similarly, the day we receive the association of Vaishnavas—especially in the Gurugṛha or the Maṭh—and get the opportunity to do Hari–saṅkīrtana or Hari–kīrtana, that day can truly be called auspicious. Even if the weather is pleasant, health is good, and everything seems favourable, if we miss the chance to go to the Maṭh, then that day cannot be considered fully blessed.

Tomorrow is Ekādaśī. Among all vows and holy observances—be it Janmāṣṭamī, Narasiṁha Caturdaśī, or any other festival—Ekādaśī gives the highest spiritual benefit. Mahāprabhu also taught that sitting and attentively listening to Hari–kathā itself requires sahiṣṇutā (patience). In this world, who really has the patience to listen deeply? Earlier people would sit for three hours to watch a movie; now, due to short reels, even a few minutes feel long. This shows how patience has reduced.

How did we understand the glories of Ekādaśī? Once in Ghati Maṭh, Nityānanda Trayodaśī and Ekādaśī fell on the same day. Two vratas cannot be observed simultaneously because without completing the parāṇa of one, the next cannot begin. The question arose: which vrat to follow? Although Nityānanda Prabhu is supremely merciful, Guru Mahārāj instructed us to follow Ekādaśī, because no other vrat bestows the spiritual merit that Ekādaśī gives. A similar incident happened once in Chandigarh on Rāma Navamī when Ekādaśī also fell on the same day. Guru Mahārāj again instructed: celebrate the mahotsava of Rāma Navamī, but observe the vrat of Ekādaśī, because among all vows—even those connected to the Lord’s appearances—Ekādaśī holds the highest position.

The Vaishnav law book Hari–bhakti–vilāsa, with siddhānta by Śrī Sanātana Goswāmī and scriptural evidence compiled by Śrī Gopāl Bhaṭṭ Goswāmī, explains that if Mahādvādaśī comes, one must follow Mahādvādaśī, not Ekādaśī. But tomorrow is regular Ekādaśī, so we should observe it enthusiastically and with full devotion.

Swami BV Vishnu