Understanding Fasting: Benefits, Vedic Insights, and Practical Tips

Fasting: An Introduction

Fasting is a powerful healing process—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The word "fast" or "vrat" signifies spiritual cleansing, a detoxification process for the senses. Fasting is encouraged in many cultures, religions, and traditions to express reverence to the Almighty. Most festivals or intense worship activities involve rigorous fasting. During fasting, the human body breaks free from the routine, compulsive act of eating. When observed in a particular way, fasting can bring heightened awareness to the body, removing the constant pursuit of pleasure. The true nature of a person, beyond habitual behaviors, finds expression during fasting.

Fasting: A Conscious Process

Fasting holds incomparable power and provides energy benefits. "Upwaas" transforms the sense organs and directs their actions toward liberation. It is often seen as a form of penance. Fasting strengthens the mind's control over the body, reducing physical awareness while naturally heightening mental awareness. This state of meditative consciousness helps transition from a compulsive to a conscious state of mind. In daily life, we collect experiences and memories based on what we see, read, and eat. Fasting taps into our conscious mind, allowing us to choose our words, reactions, and actions more deliberately. This shift from compulsion to consciousness can lead to profound changes in everyday life. Fasting provides a mental reboot, making the mind sharp and alert by reflecting on stored memories and reevaluating what is beneficial for our system.

Fasting in the Vedas

In Sanskrit, fasting is called "उपवास" (Upwaas). The word can be broken down into "उप" (Upa), meaning "near," and "वास" (Vaas), meaning "reside" or "to stay." The literal meaning of Upwaas is "to stay near," signifying closeness to the divine and the attainment of spiritual proximity with the Lord. A verse from the Vedas explains this concept:

उपावृत्तस्य पापेभ्यो यस्तु वासो गुणैः सह ।
उपवासः सविज्ञेयः सर्वभोगविवर्जितः ॥

According to the Vedic scriptures, observing Upwaas is said to free us from sins and make us virtuous. In this state, we abandon all forms of indulgence, cleansing both the physical and energy systems. Fasting is undertaken for various reasons—pleasing the Lord, creating discipline, deepening spiritual seeking, and healing or cleansing the body at regular intervals. The Gautama Dharmasutra mentions fasting as the best method for removing sins and reducing bad karma. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad emphasizes fasting and charity as ways to reach God:

‘तमेतं वेदानुवचनेन ब्राह्मणाविविदिषन्ति ।
यज्ञेन दानेन तपसाऽनाशकेन’

How to Observe a Fast

Fasting can be practiced in various ways for different purposes. The intent of the fast is called "Sankalp" or vow. One can fast for a full day, half-day, or even skip a meal. A full day's fast is called "Sampurna Upwaas," while a half-day fast is known as "Ekabhukta." When starting a fast, the Sankalp is stated in the appropriate prayers to the God or Goddess being worshipped. We refrain from consuming solid foods like grains, pulses, or lentils. A balanced meal can be consumed the day before the fast, either around noon or before sunset, to ensure the body is prepared for the fasting phase.

There are different types of fasts based on what is consumed:

  • Nirjala Fast: The ultimate fast, where one does not eat or drink water for the entire day.
  • Sajala Fast: Similar to a juice fast, where only liquids like fruit juices or smoothies, along with water, are consumed.
  • Farali Fast: Consuming only fruits, milk, and water throughout the day.

Visiting temples and making donations are recommended to deepen the sense of devotion during fasting. It is essential to avoid negative emotions like hatred, anger, greed, jealousy, and violence, and instead embrace positive qualities such as empathy, care, faith, and integrity.

Pregnant women, the elderly, and children under 12 are advised to refrain from fasting but may chant Lord Vishnu's mantras instead. At Cosmic Squares, we also suggest alternative forms of fasting, such as going gadget-free for a day—avoiding social media, television, mobile phones, or gaming devices. This can foster a significant amount of awareness and mindfulness.

Popular Tithis (Dates) for Fasting

  • Ekadashi: The eleventh day of each 15-day lunar phase, as per the Panchang.
  • Sankashti: The fourth day of the Krishna Paksha, dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
  • Amavasya: The new moon day, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Pournami: The full moon day, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Goddesses, and Lord Rama.
  • Pradosham: The thirteenth day of the 15-day lunar phase, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

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