What was the purpose of the fast? Did you find it spiritually beneficial to you? How difficult did you find it?
2006-12-13 00:56:08 · 16 answers · asked by Chickyn in a Handbasket 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, as a Baha'i I fast for 19 days every year from sun up to sun down. In each Baha'i year there are 19 months (beginning on the first day of Spring, March 21) and each month has 19 days (there are 4 or 5 intercalary days left over at the end of the year). One month before the Baha'i New Year (Naw Ruz) we observe the Fast. It's purpose is two-fold: to cleanse our body and to cleanse our spirit.
The first time I fasted it was somewhat difficult (mostly because of spiritual reasons - I wasn't used to not eating whenever I wanted to), but each year it became easier and easier. Now I actually look forward to the Fast. It's especially enjoyable when you're living in a community where others are also fasting, but still very do-able if you're an island.
God be with you.
www.bahai.org
2006-12-13 01:26:54 · answer #1 · answered by Linell 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I fast on a regular basis for spiritual reason. I have found it to be spiritually fulfilling, physically detoxifying and intellectually strengthening. Generally, I fast on the solstices and equinoxes, or when the seasons change. I will generally observe the fast for one to three days. I always drink water but do not take food. As to difficulty, everyone is different. If you want to start I suggest - if you are in good health - refrain from eating from sun up to sun down for just one day. This will give you a general idea of how you feel - on every level of being. Good luck!
2006-12-13 09:02:35 · answer #2 · answered by Yngona D 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At various times, yes.
Many Wiccans fast prior to initiation.
Many also fast for purification before Sabbats or Esbats.
It is beneficial in that at some point in the fast you lose the desire to eat, and so your focus moves away from your body. Also the energy that would normally be used for processing food in your digestive system is available for other things.
I've found it more or less difficult at different times. One thing that's remained constant is that it is more difficult for me now than it was 30 years ago.
2006-12-13 11:33:58 · answer #3 · answered by Praise Singer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've fasted from three to seven days a bunch of times ( just water.) Usually it was to try to get insights in to the minds of the religious ( once or twice in grad school is was because I had spent all my money on beer the previous week). It was usually pretty easy after the second day, by then your hunger eases, but you tend to get cold.
The only time it wasn't easy was when I did a vision quest type fast. Out alone in the wilderness for four days exserting yourself until you have a change in consciousnes and see things. It didn't convince me of anything religious but it did give me insights into my own sub-counscious that I probably could have gotten more easily with LSD.
2006-12-13 09:10:48 · answer #4 · answered by Zarathustra 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am Orthodox and there are 4 fasting periods a year and the weekly fasting of every Wed and Fri. What is your definition of fasting? A religious fast, in most cases, is not refraining from all food. It feels like it though. No animal products ( meat, milk, eggs, etc.), olive oil ( or some say all oils), or wine (alcohol). Fish, wine, and oil are allowed on certain days.
2006-12-13 09:48:06 · answer #5 · answered by travelguruette 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi yes as a Catholic I would fast during the Lenten period in union with the fast of Jesus when He was imprisoned from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday, and yes it is not easy but very spiritually rewarding.
2006-12-13 09:00:10 · answer #6 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi Chicky :) Yes, as a Muslim we fast every year- for one whole month from sun up to sun down. The month is a time to focus on prayer, and to give up desires/ needs/ and distraction.
I found it difficult the first year I did it, as I was not used to going without eating all day :) But I did it for God, and that got me through it. Now, I actually look forward to it, it is a special time with great meaning for all Muslims, and for my family :) Peace :)
2006-12-13 09:01:19 · answer #7 · answered by Angelina27 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I'm CAtholic and I fast during Lent. It is a sacrifice that I give to God (I am going without indulging myself on food) and I know how it feels to be hungry, even if it's just for a day. I can't go longer then that for health reasons.
I do find it spiritual.
2006-12-13 09:14:07 · answer #8 · answered by sister steph 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes in the month of ramadan i observed fasts for the whole month, with honesty it is not difficult as Allah (swt) gives you the patience. and it was really beneficial, i also keep fast on monday and thursday as this what MUhammad (saw) did so its a practice i follow.
2006-12-13 08:59:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes, one time, despite my athiestic tendencies, I fasted with a muslim co-worker for one day during Ramadan in order to better understand the religion, and the importance of the holiday.
It was an excellent experience, and it made me grateful to be able to eat when the sun went down.
2006-12-13 09:04:24 · answer #10 · answered by pastor of muppets 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋