Significance of Without eating
Without eating, in the context of Vaishnavism and Vedanta, signifies a few important concepts. In Vaishnavism, it describes the act of abstaining from food before sleep. Vedanta expands on this idea, explaining it as an observation of Brahman, the ultimate reality, as an observer that does not engage in physical consumption. Additionally, it highlights the higher Self, symbolized as an observing bird, which remains unscathed by individual actions or the fruits of those actions.
Synonyms: Fasting, Abstaining from food, Going without food, Diet restriction, Starving
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Without eating'
In Hinduism, "Without eating" symbolizes the detached observer, representing the higher Self unaffected by individual actions, as well as Brahman, who transcends physical consumption, and signifies fasting before sleep for spiritual clarity.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The act of not consuming food, typically due to lack of appetite or other reasons.[1] (2) The condition of not consuming any food prior to going to sleep.[2]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An assertion from another scripture that describes Brahman as an observer not involved in physical consumption.[3]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Indicates the state of the observing bird that does not partake in the fruits of works, which represents the higher Self that remains unaffected by individual actions.[4]