Fasting & Abstinence
The voluntary denial of food, sensory pleasure, or normal activity for spiritual purposes. Fasting disciplines the body and mind, heightening awareness and deepening devotion.
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face.”
“The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves.”
“The ascetic practices mindfulness in eating, taking food for sustenance rather than gratification, cultivating equanimity.”
“Austerity practiced with discipline and restraint purifies the body and develops spiritual power.”
“The ascetic fasts and practices severe austerity to burn away karmic matter and progress toward liberation.”
“True fasting is not abstaining from food but from ego, anger, and attachment, practicing devotion and discipline in heart.”