Vrata vows and ekadashi fasts

Domain XIII · Contemplative & religious disciplines

What it is

This is a religious observance, not a therapy. A vrata (Hindi/Gujarati vrat) is a religious vow; the word is commonly derived from a root meaning "to choose", and it denotes a chosen discipline with rules. Scholars describe a typical vrat as combining fasting or food restriction (upavasa), worship…

Format

• Ekadashi (ISKCON). Kept twice a month on dates calculated from the lunar calendar; ISKCON temples and centres publish the dates. ISKCON Bangalore describes a range of permitted levels, from a complete fast without water (nirjala) through water only, fruit and milk, or one meal of non-grain foods,…
• Phases of the therapist's work (synthesis). No source sets phases, session counts or formats for psychotherapy alongside vrats or Ekadashi; the following is:

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is there physical contact? Was it explained beforehand, and do you feel free to say no or stop at any point?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Does it involve fasting, a special diet or 'detox'? Have you discussed this with your doctor?
• Is it a group, retreat or community? How do they respond if someone wants to leave or raises a concern?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• Adolescent use of religious fasting to hide restriction; family conflict between generations. Working: safe, age-appropriate participation the young person endorses.
• Over-identification or quiet disapproval; the client treating the therapist as guru. Working: the client experiences the therapist as respectful and clear about role.
• Conflicts between authorities' advice and medical or psychological advice; authority figures who shame. Working: aligned messages from doctor, authority and therapist.
• Ritual that comforts versus ritual that has become rigid or guilt-laden (see 4.7, 4.8). Working: the client finds continuity and support, or freely chooses a different path.
• Practice turning into a symptom-control ritual; the therapist subtly promoting or discouraging religion. Working: the client draws on practice as they choose, and it supports goals.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.