Today is ekádashii, I think. These fastings are called “upavása” in Saḿskrta.

“Upa” is a Saḿskrta prefix. In Saḿskrta there are twenty recognized prefixes, and one of these prefixes is “upa”. “Upa” means “proximity”. And “Vása” means “to live”, “to reside”. The word “upavása” means then, “to live near the Lord”.

“Upavása” – on these days of fasting, what are all spiritual aspirants to do? Mentally they should live near their Lord. On all other days they are to remain balanced between objective adjustment and subjective approach. On these days of fasting, however, on these days of upavása, one remains in closer proximity to the Lord than to one’s mundane duties. That is why these days are known as “upavása”. The word “fasting” does not represent the proper sense or proper spirit. The Saḿskrta term for going without food is “anashana” – “ana” means not, “ashana” means eating – not “upavása”. But these ekádashii, amavasya and púrńimá days are days of upavása.