Significance of Fasting practice
Fasting practice, as outlined in various texts such as Purana, Dharmashastra, and Theravada, refers to periods of abstaining from food for spiritual purification and discipline. It includes dietary restrictions during auspicious days, rituals, and vows aimed at enhancing spiritual focus and mental clarity. In the context of Theravada, fasting is practiced by Bhikkhus to support meditation. Overall, fasting serves as an essential component of spiritual growth across different religious traditions, emphasizing discipline and purification.
Synonyms: Intermittent fasting, Abstaining from food, Fast, Dietary restriction, Hunger strike, Intermittent fasting.
In Dutch: Vastenpraktijk; In Finnish: Paastoharjoitus
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Fasting practice'
Fasting practice in Buddhism involves Bhikkhus intentionally reducing food intake to enhance meditation and improve mental clarity, serving as a disciplined approach to deepen spiritual focus and awareness.
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Specific methods where Bhikkhus reduce their food intake as a means to support their meditation and increase mental clarity.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Fasting practice'
Fasting in Hinduism encompasses abstaining from food as a spiritual discipline, involving rituals, penance, purification, and dietary restrictions, particularly during auspicious days and lunar phases, to enhance spiritual focus and achieve spiritual benefits.
From: Agni Purana
(1) Engaging in periods without food to purify oneself and achieve spiritual benefits.[2] (2) The act of abstaining from food, mentioned as a significant component of vows and the path to mortification of the body.[3]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The dietary restrictions and fasting observed by participants to enhance their spiritual focus during the recitation.[4]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Abstaining from food as part of spiritual discipline, often accompanied by rituals and prayers, particularly during auspicious days.[5]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The observance of dietary restrictions such as abstaining from various foods and drinks during specific lunar phases.[6]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Specific dietary restrictions or abstentions from food as a form of penance or discipline.[7]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The action of abstaining from food during specified times (e.g., New-moon day) as part of the Candrayana ritual.[8]