Often, whenever fasting is mentioned, the first thing that comes to people's minds is that today they have to stay hungry, not even drink water, or just spend the day eating fruit. But is this all there is to fasting? Is the meaning of a fast only to stay hungry, remain silent, or change one's daily routine? Swami Kailashanand Giri, of Shri Panchayati Akhada Niranjani, has answered all these questions.
Fasting means being close to God
Swami Kailashanand Giri believes that fasting does not only mean not eating. He explained that the word 'Upvas' (fasting) is made up of two parts - 'Up' and 'Vas'. 'Up' means near to God, and 'Vas' means to reside. That is, on the day of the fast, a person's mind, intellect, and consciousness should be completely focused on God.
Fasting should be from the mind, not the body
Swami Kailashanand Giri said that merely staying hungry physically is not fasting. The real fast happens when a person removes their mind from worldly things and turns it towards God. Spending time in remembrance of God that day, meditating on Him, chanting, and focusing the mind is the true fast.
Offering bhog (food offering) in a fast is also necessary
Swami Kailashanand Giri explained that on the day of the fast, one should offer bhog according to their deity in order to please them. For example, Lord Krishna should be offered a Tulsi leaf, Lord Shiva a Belpatra, Mother Rani a clove, and Lord Ganesha a Durva leaf. After that, the prasad (blessed food) should be consumed with reverence.
Mantra chanting and meditation are the soul of fasting
He said that chanting the mantras of one's chosen deity 108 times on the day of the fast is considered very fruitful. This chanting concentrates the mind and brings us closer to God. Also, the meditation and worship done during the fast purify the mind, which is the main purpose of the fast.
Fasting is a process of spiritual practice
Swami Kailashanand Giri described fasting as a form of spiritual practice (sadhana). He says that this practice leads to self-control and restraint. The mind can be calmed through fasting, the senses can be controlled, and spiritual purification can be achieved. Through this, a person can look within themselves and improve themselves.
Fasting is also important in other religions
Swami Ji said that not only in Hinduism, but also in Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism, fasting is important. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast, in which they do not eat anything from sunrise to sunset. Fasting is also done during Lent in Christianity. All this points towards self-control and devotion to God.
The true fast is one that purifies thoughts
Swami Kailashanand Giri says that the real purpose of fasting is not to inflict pain on the body, but to purify the mind and thoughts. If a person harbors negativity, anger, ego, and greed in their mind even after staying hungry all day, then their fast is in vain. While the person who keeps their thoughts pure, helps the needy, and remains immersed in devotion throughout the day is truly fasting.
Not only food and drink, but behavior should also be restrained
Swami Ji said that fasting should not be limited to just food and drink. A person should also bring restraint in their behavior. Controlling one's speech, not lying, not slandering anyone, and having a feeling of love for everyone is also a part of fasting.
It is important to understand the beliefs associated with fasting
Nowadays, many people fast but do not understand its meaning. They just stay hungry or eat fruits in the name of tradition, but their mind does not connect with devotion. Swami Kailashanand Giri says that in such a situation, the real fruit of the fast is not obtained. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the purpose behind the fast and adopt it accordingly.
Swami Kailashanand Giri's message
Swami Kailashanand Giri described fasting as a part of a spiritual journey. He says that when we learn to control our mind and senses, then we become true fasters. Spend the day of fasting in the name of God, try to connect with Him, and purify your mind. This is the right way to fast.
