Fast to enjoy divine balance
Published on: Sunday, October 18, 2020
By: Dr T Selva
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There are many ancient techniques available to achieve this, but one of the earliest methods is through fasting, which helps keep both mind and body in a perfect state of health.
Fasting is an integral part of many major religions. It is a traditional spiritual practice that purifies the body and strengthens the mind by requiring an individual to resist the overwhelming compulsion to eat.It is a practice observed in many faiths and according to spiritual leaders, both fast and feast are blessings to human beings.
The feast gives an individual an immediate sanctification which vanishes in a few hours, inducing a craving for more, whereas a fast gives you a different kind of happiness more lasting than that of a feast.
Fasting gives a continuous flow of bliss, which brings lightness to the body and a happiness that lingers on in our life system.
It is constantly evolving and gives an individual absolute happiness and a different personality altogether.
It is said that the pleasure derived from fasting cannot be described but only experienced.
So how can an individual practise fasting?
There are varieties of fasting and in some one avoids all food and water.
Then there is water or juice only fasting and some fasting is partial, which may mean no heavy foods like meat or grains.
Then there are half day fasts or fasting that just avoids salt. You can decide what kind of fasting suits your situation. Hindu scriptures suggest certain days of the week, month or even year for fasting.
In particular, many Hindus fast at least twice a month on the 11th day of the waning and waxing moon as it is regarded as beneficial. Some people choose a particular day in a week to fast.
In short, there is no end to the variation, but in general it is good to give your stomach a holiday every once in a while.
To begin with, it is best to fast only for a day. When you are more experienced you may extend this to a few more days.
Initially, you may want to limit yourself to a day eating just fruits or drinking only fruit juices.
When fasting for a longer period, you may start and end your fast with a day on juices.
While fasting, you may feel lethargic and may get a headache as your body clears itself of toxins.
Afterwards, however, you should feel refreshed and invigorated.
Many Hindus find it helpful to fast regularly at least one day each week for religious observance and according to many the bliss they enjoy sheds its rays on whomsoever it comes into contact with.
Abstaining from food for a certain period of time gives clear insight into a subject.
It was from this experience that sages preached fasting as an important practice in life.
Regular observers say that fasting bestows a divine happiness which can be enjoyed with such delight that once you take to it, you will be reluctant to leave the habit.
An individual who spends a few hours in absolute calmness after his or her first meal on breaking a fast has a feeling of enjoyment which can never be expressed.
Abstaining from food for a certain period of time gives clear insight into a subject.
Research has revealed that animals, which depend only upon nature, fast spontaneously if there is any disease, and cure themselves by natural means, that is, via sunlight and fresh air, fast and rest.
If you stuff your stomach with food when there is no hunger, you are going against nature, and you will suffer from discomfort.
It is vital you do not overload the stomach. If you observe moderation in diet and fast from time to time, you will be happy and healthy, and also be able to make spiritual progress.
When you are diagnosed with some ailment, fast for a day or two as many illnesses can be averted if fasting is observed in the early stages of the illness. If you only eat when you are really hungry, you will be able to enjoy the meal.
People should beware of a false appetite and never force themselves to eat. If you have no appetite, then that clearly indicates that the body does not require food at that moment.
To force yourself to eat simply because it happens to be the time for meals is exceedingly unwise.
So fast, as it gives perfect rest to the overworked digestive organs.
It is absurd to imagine that a person will grow weak if he or she fasts. In fact, one becomes stronger day by day while fasting, because energy is conserved.
The considerable amount of energy used in digestion, assimilation and elimination is saved, and this conserved energy builds better health.
Facts and tips on fasting
- Physically, a fasting person’s system gets an overhaul.
- Mentally, a person will develop more concentration and a greater capacity to resist desires *An individual will have a greater capacity to withstand physical disturbance, illness, fatigue and disease.
- When breaking fast, control abnormal appetite and do not overload the stomach by eating too much heavy food as the body can become bloated.
- After a long fast, continue with a light liquid diet until all digestive trouble is over and normal hunger is established.
- Break your fast with half a cup of diluted fruit juice, vegetable soup, or the water of a young coconut.
- When fasting, do not entertain thoughts of food but, rather, think divine thoughts.
- Health benefits of fasting are the detoxification the practice brings.
- Fasting, with guidance, is an ideal way to lose weight.
- Dr T. Selva is speaker and the author of the bestseller book Vasthu Sastra Guide. To get a copy contact 012-3299713. He can be contacted at [email protected], Facebook: Vasthu Sastra and website: www.vasthusastra.com
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