Time spent laughing is time spent with the Gods. - Japanese Proverb

A Spiritual and Scientific view of fasting in Hinduism

Gyan Rajhans P. Eng.

There are many auspicious occasions when fasts are observed by Hindus. Examples include Janmaashtami, Ganesh-Chaturthi, Mahashivratri, two Navratras (each of nine days), Ekaadasi, Pradosha etc. Fasting is very popular not only in Hinduism, but also in Christianity, Islam and Jainism. Fast not only helps in Yoga and spiritual attainment but has a special place in keeping the body free from diseases.

Part of Religious Ceremonies

Our ancient Rishis went through a deep thought process into what should be done to keep healthy and disease free condition. They came to the conclusion that the occasional rest to the digestive system is very essential to keep a healthy body. They also knew that the people would not be prepared to miss the meals on their own, since they would become very addicted to meals. The Hindu Rishis who had learned the benefits of fasting knew full well that during fasting, the body starts ejaculating harmful substances which are responsible for causing diseases and thus keep the body and mind in a healthful and cheerful state. They also observed that fasting purified the body and soul and enhanced the willpower immensely. Fasting also gives a tremendous impetus to devotion, faith and concentration, which are main pillars of the advancement of the spiritual life. Therefore, the foresighted rishis introduced occasional fasting in religious ceremonies.

Body like a Machine

Fasting is good for keeping good health. It is a natural treatment also by which one can keep himself immune from various diseases. Our body is like a machine, where all the organs work like the parts of the machine. If we wish that the body should work properly then, its parts have to be given proper attention and rest. Many people give rest to other parts of the body but never give rest to the digestive system. It works all the 24 hours even when we are sleeping.  These days, the materialistic ways of living is growing rapidly. People have completely lost sight of their health. Recently there has been a great change in the eating habits of people. The growth of fast food facilities is a cause of increasing various diseases and ill health. Ill health is not caused by less nutritive food as it is caused by too much eating too untimely. Undesirable food habits are more responsible for the deterioration of health these days. Overeating is the main cause of diseases and for impurity of blood. This impure blood is again the cause of different diseases in the body. New medicines are used for their treatment. Many people think that any disease can be cured by the modern drugs. It is very important to understand that one can suppress these diseases to some extent by these drugs but it is seen that they again emerge in one form or another more seriously. People are dying by eating more rather than starvation.

Types of Fasts

There are basically three types of fasts:

1. Nirahaar – to remain without food.

2. Phalalahaar – to have only fruit diet.

3. Dugdhahaar – to have only cow milk diet.

These fasts are observed slightly differently by the religious observers. Nirahaar (without food) is the best type of fasting. This can be done in two ways – Sajal (with water) and Nirjal (without water). In a Nirjal fast even water is not taken. In a Sajal fast, lukewarm water with some lemon juice can be taken. Tea and coffee are not considered to be Sajal fast. In Phalalahaar only fruits and fruit juice are taken. Apple, grape and papaya are the best type of foods in this kind of fasting. In Dugdhahaar one can take 250-500ml of cow milk without cream (lack of cream is very important), four to five times a day. Cow milk is the best food; nothing is superior to cow milk to strengthen the body. Again, tea and coffee are not permitted in Dugdhahaar.

Breaking Fast

There are also ways to break the fast. People keep fasts but not knowing how to break the fast, they remain deprived of the utmost benefits of the fast. This is seen in the local temples, where people eat plenty of rice, roti and other starch foods as mahaprasadam, after they break the Janmaashtami fast at midnight or soon after to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birth. Nothing can be more harmful to the body than this kind of practice. Any type of cereal food or milk products must be avoided for at least 12 hours after breaking the fast.

A word of caution, pregnant women and patients of high blood pressure, ulcer, diabetes, etc. should observe the fast only if their doctors have permitted to do so.

[Gyan Rajhans, an internationally recognized heath & safety professional has been broadcasting the only non-commercial Vedic religion radio program in North America since 1981 & worldwide web cast on www.bhajanawali.com since 1999. Mr. Rajhans has published extensively on religious and spiritual matters. Some articles are available on the Bhajanawali web site. He has translated Sri Mad Bhagvad Gita in English for the younger generation. Mr Rajhans has been conferred various titles, including that of Rishi by Hindu Prarthana Samaj of Toronto Hindu Ratna by Hindu Federation of Toronto. He received Canadian Journalists' and Writers' Club (CEJWC) award  for 2005 in the Internet category - Opinion - for his Spirituality columns in South Asian Outlook e-Monthly.]

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