Fasting is a common practice all over the world for various purposes. Somebody might do it for weight loss, others might practice it for a healthy mind and soul. Of course, it benefits our physical and mental well-being. But, different people are seeking different benefits out of it.
Also, there are different ways of practicing it. Based on religion or science or fitness or nutrition or cultural obligations.
Today, I will be explaining its benefits from a religious standpoint. If you don’t already know me, I would suggest you visit this page. It can help you in understanding the context of this post.
Now, when we are already done with the context, let’s talk about the main topic here!
In Jainism, fasting is a way to cleanse your body, mind, and soul. It involves a restricted form of eating/no food throughout the day. Only boiled water(cooled down) is allowed for intake. Eating before sunrise and after sunset is prohibited. It can be continued for days or even a month or more depending upon one’s ability and health condition.
Do you wonder why the Jains (followers of Jainism) practice such a stricter form of fasting? There are multiple reasons.
Fasts may be done as a penance, to shed away the bad karmas(bad actions) done in a day to day life which involves harming other creatures in this world. Why do we harm them when we know we shouldn’t be doing that? Because a soul can have different life forms. There are around 84 lacs approx(8.4 million) forms in which a soul can exist on earth. We can adjust our actions to minimize the harm but can’t completely refrain from harming other souls.
The second reason is to gain back control of our senses. Our senses tempt us to run after things our body doesn’t need or might even harm. Like for example, we know junk food deteriorates our health but still, we eat a lot without any limitation due to its taste. Fasting even for a day helps us realize that we can control our senses.
Now, we need to understand how do we exactly benefit from being in charge of our senses? Our senses provide a medium to be attached to the worldly desires. Excessive attachment can lead to mental health problems that we all know. There is always a need to detach yourself from time to time from the illusion that the world creates around you. So, do I even need to explain any further? Interesting, isn’t it?
Share your thoughts in the comment section. Rate the post and share it with your loved ones as a self-help guide.
Sahyre 