Why do we fast?
Most devoted Indians fast regularly or
on special occasions like festivals. On such days they do not eat at all, eat
once or do it with fruits or a special diet of simple food.
Fasting in Sanskrit is called
Upavaasa. Upa means "near" + Vaasa means "to stay".
Upavaasa therefore means staying near (the God), meaning the attainment of
close mental proximity with God.
Scientifically every system needs a
break and an overhaul to work at its best. Rest and a change of diet during
fasting is very good for the digestive system and the entire body.
The more you indulge in the senses,
the more they make their demands. Fasting helps us to cultivate control over
our senses, sublimate our desires and guide our minds to be poised and at
peace.
Fasting should not make us weak,
irritable or create an urge to indulge later. This happens when there is no
noble goal behind fasting.
The Bhagavadgita urges us to eat
appropriately – neither too less nor too much – Yukta-Aahaara and to eat
simple, pure and healthy food (a saatvik diet) even when not fasting.
The ancient Indian healing system of
Ayurveda believes that the digestive system is central to optimal health. When
our digestive system is weak, toxins accumulate in the body leading to illness
and disease. Fasting gives our digestive system a break, allowing the body to
clean and remove any buildup of toxic materials for better overall health. However,
Ayurveda does not recommend prolonged fasts. Fasting for just one day a week is
believed to be most beneficial.
