The Significance Of Fasting In Hinduism

By Staff

Wednesday, May 27, 2009, 13:39

Fasting is a common spiritual discipline observed in almost all religions. Its an age old aspect of spirituality with a great deal of significance attached to it with regards to Hinduism as in other religions as well.

Hinduism unravels the different aspects that go into observing a fast, normally done on special occasions and days considered auspicious to indulge in special prayers and worship. The Bhagavad Gita advices one to eat simple, pure and healthy food appropriately not indulging too much or too little. A saatvic diet is suggested not only on the days of fasting but also on all other days.

By the word 'Upavaasaa' which would mean fasting in Sanskrit, the term 'Upa' would mean 'near and 'Vaasaa' would mean 'stay'. It would ideally mean to stay near God or attain the mental proximity with God while observing a fast. A good deal of time and energy is involved in procuring the necessary things for cooking, the actual process of cooking, eating and as well as digesting. Hence on select days man keeps a fast to conserve his energy by taking simple food or totally abstains from taking food thereby resting his digestive organs. The mind which is preoccupied with thoughts of food, takes a turn to sublime thoughts of God making the mind pure, light and agile.

Fasting has yet another spiritual benefit. The more one is indulgent, the demands of the senses are more. There is no end to the claims of the senses. Fasting is an efficient brake to the demanding senses and sublimates one's desires to mellow the mind, to stay in peace.

Fasting, apart from its spiritual benefits, is a blessing to one's system as well. A change in the food intake and rest during fasting is good for the digestive system. A break for the digestive system only aids in functioning of it more efficiently. However the process of fasting loses its purpose when one gets irritable, weak and attains the urge to indulge later. This often happens when there is not a noble drive behind or when one goes about with a mechanical outlook.