Purnima & Ekadashi Meditations
About the Course
BYK is excited to introduce Yoga sadhana on Ekadasi and Pournami days in 2025. A 45 minute online session to build the qualities of tapas, svadhyaya and iswara pranidhana. Together let us come together in a space of surrender to renew ourselves and connect with the Divine.
Ekadashi
Ekadashi is the 11th day of both the waxing and waning lunar cycles and is considered a highly auspicious and spiritually potent day. The term "Ekadashi" comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "the eleventh."
The moon is believed to govern the mind. Ekadashi falls at a point where the moon's influence on the mind aligns with energy centers (chakras). On the bright fortnight (waxing phase), the mind is naturally aligned with the Ajna Chakra (third eye), and during the dark fortnight (waning phase), it connects to the Anahata Chakra (heart). This alignment facilitates concentration and contemplation.
Thus, on Ekadashi, the mind is at "home" in its natural centers, making it an ideal day for meditation, focus, and introspection.
Purnima
Purnima, or the Full Moon Day, is the day when the moon is at its brightest and fullest in the lunar cycle. It is considered a day of spiritual significance in many traditions, associated with the qualities of illumination, reflection, and wholeness.
On Purnima, its fullness symbolizes mental and emotional wholeness, making it an ideal time to meditate for clarity and inner peace.The moon’s gravitational pull influences not just the ocean’s tides but also the subtle energies in our body, particularly the mind and the chakras. Meditation on this day helps align these energies, offering a state of balance and calm.
Many spiritual traditions dedicate Purnima to divine feminine energy or specific deities, such as Devi (the Goddess) or Lord Buddha, amplifying the spiritual potency of the day.
The energy of the full moon resonates with the heart chakra, promoting qualities like compassion, love, and gratitude. Meditating on Purnima opens the heart to these higher vibrations.
‘Poornima’ means ‘full moon’.
It’s symbolic of the full moon’s light
emanating from the heart of a human being who has purified himself/herself
to such an extent that there is no cloud to hide the moon.
— Sri M
Course Highlights
A meditation community to stay motivated
Sync in with the lunar cycles
Helps calm the mind and reduce emotional turbulence.
Master breathing techniques to chant better.
Surrender to renew ourselves and connect with the Divine
Eligibility
The program is open to anyone interested in meditation and chanting. Those with a desire to deepen their spiritual practice will find it particularly beneficial. We recommend attending both Purnima and Ekadashi Meditation consistently for a year for noticeable effects.
Curriculum
Ekadasi Sadhana – 6 to 6:45 am IST
Introduction to Ekadasi sadhana
Meditation with Sir's audio on Kleem krishnaya or Om namo Bhagavate
Reading from the Srimad Bhagavatam or Bhagavad Gita
Bhajans/ Kirtan
Full Moon/ Poornima Sadhana – 7 to 7:45 pm
Introduction to Full Moon Meditation
Meditation with Sir's audio on Bala mantra or Dum durgaiye namaha
Reading from Devi Purana and Devi Mahatmiyam
Devi Mantras/ bhajans
Upcoming Batches
The course runs every month, and one can join at the beginning of the month.
You can join for 3, 6 or 12 months.
The course runs monthly, starting at the beginning of each month. You can register for 1, 3, or 6 months at a time. (Note: No courses in May.)
Instructor info
Chitra Ganesh
Chitra Ganesh has been trained and mentored under the esteemed guidance of Kalaimamani Mr. M.R. Chandrashekhar, a revered Yoga Guru. She holds an M.Sc in Yoga for Human Excellence, a Diploma in Yoga from the Indian School of Yoga, Chennai, and certifications in Hatha Yoga Sangraha from Madras Sanskrit College, Ayurveda for Yoga teachers from Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute and Research Center, and the Science of Well-Being from Yale University. For Chitra, yoga is the golden thread that weaves through the fabric of life, echoing Sri M's teachings on finding balance and moderation.
FAQs
Everything you need to know about the course. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact us
Why are Purnima (Full Moon) and Ekadashi considered special days for meditation?
Both days are energetically significant. Purnima amplifies spiritual energy through the full moon's influence on the mind and body, while Ekadashi aligns the mind with its natural energy centers, making meditation more profound.
Do I have to fast to meditate on Ekadashi or Purnima?
Fasting is optional but recommended for Ekadashi to lighten the body and reduce distractions. On Purnima, fasting is less common, but a light diet helps maintain focus during meditation.
What type of mantras should I use during these meditations?
On Ekadashi, mantras like Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya or Kleem Krishnaya deepen connection with Lord Vishnu. For Purnima, mantras like Om Chandraya Namaha or Devi Mantras harness lunar energy.
Can I meditate indoors on these days, or does it need to be outside?
Both are effective. On Purnima, meditating in moonlight is ideal, but indoors near a window or in a calm, quiet space is equally powerful. For Ekadashi, any serene environment works well.
Do I need prior meditation experience to join these sessions?
No prior experience is required. The sessions are beginner-friendly, with guided instructions to help participants connect with the day’s energy.
How does the course structure support regular practice?
The course is designed to offer consistent meditative practices on these sacred days, ensuring participants benefit from the unique energies of Purnima and Ekadashi while cultivating a sustainable routine.
Can I participate in only one session, or is it better to attend both Purnima and Ekadashi meditations?
While each session is beneficial on its own, attending both offers a more holistic experience by aligning with both the lunar cycles (Purnima) and cosmic rhythms (Ekadashi).
What tools or preparation do I need for the sessions?
All you need is a quiet space, a comfortable seat, and an open mind. It’s also helpful to keep a journal for intention-setting or reflections after the meditation.
Can I join the course if I am outside India?
Yes, you can join the course if you are outside India. The sessions are conducted online, making them accessible globally. You’ll only need a stable internet connection to participate. Please note the session timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST), so you may need to adjust for your local time zone.