TO FAST OR NOT TO FAST

TO FAST OR NOT ?
(Shri Sai Leela July August 1991)

P. M. Sarangan

Hyderabad, A.P.

Lord Sainath never asked His devotees to pray on an empty stomach. He was against fasting as a person cannot concentrate on God. Still His devotees practice occasional fasts or even skipping a meal on Thursdays as on austerity towards Sai Maharaj.

Mahatma Gandhi was the most prolific faster, abstaining from food for a total of 14 times in protest of various social injustices. His fasts lasted from 3 to 21 days. His opinion on fasting was : '' It doesn't begin and end with mere deprivation of physical food."

But this pathway to God is often His-inter-preted. Christians and Muslims fast for a given period of time in a year. The fast of Sai devotees on every Thursday is normally not so rigorous, only one meal is eliocinated and the rest of the day's supply remains at its normal level.

Before considering a fast, you should ask yourself a few questions. What is the purpose of my fast ? What guidelines Sainalh gave me about fasting ? How long should I attempt the discipline ? What benefits do I expect ?

PURPOSE OF THE FAST

In no instance in 'Shri Sai Satcharita' was a fast undertaken without a purpose in mind. But these purposes vary widely.

* As an aid to improve devotional life : Radhabai Deshmukh came to Baba for Upadesh, got none and resolved to fast which should end with either death or Upadesh from Baba.

(Jesus Christ fasted soon after baptism)

* As a help in times of crisis - to get back the stolen money - a fakir advices a Goan devotee to give up what he liked best with the vow that he will not eat it, till he has 'Darshan' of Sai Maharaj.

* As a means of showing concern for others - Mrs. Sai Raj visits Shirdi and desires to fast on 'Holi' day . Baba advices her against fasting and asks her to prepare 'Pooran Poli' in Dada Kelkar's house. Her presence was needed these.

* As a way to strength : H.S. Dixit wanted to fast at night, but he gives it up as per Baba's advice.

* As an act of penance : Kusha Bhau and others avoid eating onions on 'Ekadashi' day. (Holy mother Ananda Mayi asks one of her devotees to fast for a day on account of his misbehaviour towards a brother devotee) Therefore your own goal should be clear. Precisely what is it, you what to accomplish with the fast.

CHECK YOUR MOTIVE

Lord Sainath does not want us to torture our body. He only asks us : "Do you remember Me before eating ? Am I not always with you ? Then do you offer Me anything before you eat?"

LENGTH OF THE FAST

Shri Sai Satcharita standards allow a great latitude. You should decide as to how long you intend to fast.

* H.S. Dixit's idea was to fast on all nights.

* Mrs. Sai Raj wanted to fast during her stay in Shirdi.

* Uighwar Rao wanted to fast on 'Ekadashi' day only.

* N. Radhika fasted for three days.

* Ravi Raj avoided only sugar till he had 'Darshan' of Sai Maharaj.

THE FAST ITSELF

To make your fast as meaningful as possible; here are a few pointers:

* Keep your fast a secret. I should not call attention to itself. It should not disrupt the household or go against medical advice.

* Make creative use of the time given to you by the skipped meal. Read 'Shri Sai Satcharita'. While skipping a meal once a week will make you healthily hungry, it is also an excellent aid to spiritual development

* Keep records : It is useful to write down all the benefits and difficulties you face with your fast.

* As a secondary thought, consider saving the money you do not spend on your meal and giving it to the needy. It is a good idea to contribute towards 'Poor Feeding' done by Shirdi Sansthan.

EVALUATION

Take time to evaluate your fast. How successful were you in maintaining your discipline ? What benefits have you noticed ?

* An increased sense of concentration for prayer.

* The ability to distinguish between desire and basic needs.

* More power for intercessory prayers.

* Thankfulness, doing without highlights the good we have. In conclusion, by deliberately withholding from ourselves the usual source of nourishment and strength, we are thrown upon the 'pure spiritual milk' of our Kamadhenu Lord Sainath; we are drawn into a new dependence upon Him.

om sai sri sai jaya jaya sai

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