the time period when a solar eclipse or lunar eclipse occurs has different meaning for people. some people are fascinated by the event. some are scared of it. some people say the eclipse energy is negative and we should take precaution to avoid negativity. some people look forward to this event to practice their spritual sadhana during this period.
i belong to that category which believe that eclipse is one of the best time to deepen the spiritual practice. if you practice mantra chanting or meditation or any other spiritual practice then the gains will be manifold during eclipse. both solar eclipse and lunar eclipse supports the spiritual practice provided that they occur in your area. eclipseย it is the most ideal time to go inward and find stillness or inner peace.
if you practice meditation during eclipse time then you can easily go deep in the meditation than on any other day. meditation practice will be more spontaneous and easy. its like the whole world is supporting you in meditation. so if next time eclipse happens in your area then do give it a try.
since eclipse energy supports meditation or spiritual practice then it is best to be empty stomach so that all the energy can go in spiritual sadhana. when you eat food then part of your energy goes in digesting the body. it also brings down your consciousness. you need to have extra energy to go deep in meditation. so try to be empty stomach, although you can drink water.
its best to keep a fast during the day when eclipse is happening. so that you are empty stomach few hours before the eclipse begins. its also advisable to take bath before the eclipse starts and once more when the eclipse ends.
traditional hindu wisdom on eclipse:
1. we should take the name of god or chant mantra or practice our chosen spiritual sadhana during eclipse time. sit in one place and do your spiritual practice or take the name of god.
2. one should avoid cooking any food and should not eat when eclipse is going on. it also advisable to not eat food before few hours of eclipse. although drinking water is allowed.
3. it is strictly forbidden to look at moon or sun during eclipse. doing this can actually harm your eyes.
4. one should preferably stay indoor and avoid going out of home.
5. take cold water bath before the eclipse starts and one more time once the eclipse is over and then wear fresh clothes.
6. lot of emphasis is also given on doing charity and donation after the eclipse ends.
to know these facts in details check this swaminarayan.org link
honestly speaking, i don’t follow all the rules but try to follow most of the things like avoiding going out, not eating anything, taking bath and practicing mantra chanting or meditation.
now we have lost the scientific reason behind many hindu rituals. i gave a thought why we should not go out during eclipse or why the energy during this time is considered negative.
according to me (this is my guess), the reason behind not going out of home or not looking at sun or moon is related with ancient story of samundra manthan. where sun and moon recognize the demon rahu who was disguising as a deva and sittingย in devas line to drink the amrit. since sun and moon god recognize the trickery of rahu, he is eternally upset and angry with them and causes the eclipse. thus as per tradition or science of astrology sun becomes weak during solar eclipse and moon becomes weak during lunar eclipse.
now as per tradition, sun represents our soul and father in astrology and moon represents our mind and mother in vedic astrology. so during the eclipse time we don’t get their support and protection. so we are vulnerable to negative energies of the world. thus to protect ourself from negativity or from this vulnerable time we should avoid going out, stay indoor and take the name of god and should also take bath after the eclipse is over to get rid of negative energy.
whatever is the reason, use this time to deepen your spiritual practice.