Prayer when combined with fasting is defined as voluntarily going without food in order to focus on prayer and thus build an association with God. Fasting disciplines the body and gives the power to think and rule over one’s own senses. The practice of abstaining from food has been followed for centuries by people of different faiths subject to different rules.
Methods of fasting also differ vastly. The different forms include a vast range. If followed strictly, in certain forms of observing a fast, the person fasting does not take any food or water from the previous day's sunset until the following day's sunrise. Fasting can also include limiting oneself to one meal during the day or abstaining from eating certain food types or eating only particular food types. In some cases, if the fasting person is non-vegetarian, he/she is to abstain from consuming any animal products (i.e., meat, eggs) on the day of fasting.
In Hinduism, fasting is a very important part of the traditional rituals and customs. They observe fast during certain days of the month such as Ekadasi, Purnima. Particular days of the week are also set aside for fasting depending on personal devotion and deity of choice. For example, devotees of Shiva tend to fast on Mondays, while devotees of Vishnu tend to fast on Fridays or Saturdays. Fasting on Thursdays is very common among the North-Indian Hindus. Devotees often take fasts during religious festivals. Most people conduct a fast on Maha Shivratri which includes consuming fruit and milk, or during the nine days of Navaratri. In some parts of India, married women undertake a fast during the occasion of Karwa chauth for the well-being, richness, and long life of their husbands. The fast is broken after the wife looks at the moon through a sieve.
Fasting is also practiced in a number of churches and Christian denominations. Many denominations do not emphasize on the observance of a fast but however, it is up to the individual to decide for himself or herself. The Lenten fast observed in the Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox Church is a forty-day partial fast to commemorate the fast observed by Christ during his temptation in the desert. This is involves abstinence from meat .Many followers also abstain from milk and egg. The members of the Catholic Church and certain other denominations in Kerala also observe a similar fast during the Nativity period before Christmas to prepare for the arrival of the new born Christ as a symbol of hope and peace.
In Islam, fasting for almost one month is an obligatory custom during the holy month of Ramadan. This is done from fajr (dawn), until the Maghrib (dusk). During this period they are prohibited from eating, drinking (including water). Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the fundamental traditions of Islam, and thus one of the most important practices in Islamic worship. The main aim of fasting, whether during Ramadan or other times, is to draw one closer to Allah by abandoning body pleasures, such as food and drink. Thus, it enhances the sincerity of their devotion and stands testimony to their firm and strong faith in God.
Jains also observe fasts. One type of the fast is called Chauvihar Upwas, in which no food or water should be consumed until sunrise the next day. Another form is called Tiviha Upwas, in which no food may be consumed, but boiled water is allowed. The main goal of fasting in Jainism is to achieve complete Non-Violence and maintain peace and tranquillity during that phase.
Buddhist monks and nuns following the Vinaya rules commonly abstain from eating every day after the noon meal. This is not considered a fast but rather a disciplined procedure helping in meditation and good health.
Fasting is common to many religions. Despite the different styles of adopting it, the practice of observing a fast has been followed by millions. The intentions can be varied; from awaiting an occasion with religious fervour or to hope for the better future of near and dear ones or to carry an obligation in honour of the almighty God. But one has to always be comfortable while undergoing a fast. It should be done happily with ultimate devotion and dedication. If a medical complication should arise then common sense should prevail .This is because if God dwells in everyone’s body then dedicating oneself to God at the cost of one’s own body implies that the aim of the fast remains unachieved. Physically, fasting helps the person to be in better control of his or her senses and thus, he or she becomes more patient and self-disciplined. The denial of basic essentials to the body for a definite period of time cleanses the body and prepares it to face dire situations. But, spiritually, fasting is believed to help prevent many sins and is a shield with which protects the person from (hell).Fasting also makes our connection stronger to God.
Though fasting can be put to an end, the real thirst of the soul for the supreme One cannot be quenched. And the search for the divine One will continue, so the fast of the soul can never end.
- Riya, student intern, Parihara.com
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