More on fasting

Some thoughts on fasting that I've been thinking about for obvious reasons:

1. The act of physically fasting, as heavily emphasized in the Baha'i writings, is only symbolic of a more general spiritual fast. And so the period of fasting is supposed to be a time where one is more conscious of one's spiritual reality, more focused on improving oneself, more aware of one's thoughts and actions, and bringing them more in alignment with one's ideals/values. Fasting, therefore, contrary to what a lot of people believe, doesn't stop short at just not eating/drinking for some span of time.

2. Having said that, the act of physical fasting, I've realized, is important for it contiually reminds one of the fact that one is fasting, why one is fasting, and that this is a special period of time. If one just told oneself that physical fasting is merely symbolic, and so it didn't really matter as long as one were able to undergo the spiritual fasting, I doubt the process of spiritual fasting would actually happen - it is so easy to forget these things in the day-to-day hassles of life. Physical fasting, however, does change one's regular routine, and serves as a constant reminder of the importance of this period.

3. In addition, fasting enables one to cultivate a certain level of discipline and detachment. One realizes how much one consumes that one could so easily do without - and so it does help in reducing attachment to things in general!

4. Just as physical fasting is a token of spiritual fasting, likewise I believe the fasting period itself is merely symbolic of how one should ideally lead one's life in general, throughout the year. Ideally one would not need to physically fast to remind oneself to be more spiritual. And likewise, ideally one would not need a special period of time every year to be spiritual - it should be a more constant state.

5. A combination of prayer and a more continuous process of introspection, reflection, and evaluation of one's thoughts and actions (even the most minor) goes a long way in furthering one's spiritual growth.

"The fasting period... is essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation, during which the believer must strive to make the necessary readjustments in his inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate the spiritual forces latent in his soul. Its significance and purpose are, therefore, fundamentally spiritual in character."

-- Shoghi Effendi