FASTING -SOME GUIDELINES

As we know fasting is one special process for achieving and maintaining optimum health. As Ananda Margiis, we have all realized, to some or more degree, the various positive effects of fasting. And the initial mail on this topic touched on some of these universal benefits such as ridding the body of toxins, increased longevity, and enhanced quality of life etc. Certainly then fasting is a unique purification process and one most significant aspect of this practice is the approach to breaking the fast. So this article will focus primarily on a gentle yet thorough system by which one can break the fast.

HOW THE BODY IS AT THE END OF THE FAST

Of course one important thing to be aware of is that by doing a 24-36 hour dry fast-- i.e. without water-- then the body obviously becomes dehydrated. Hence the body is in a very delicate and sensitive state. In that case, if one breaks the fast in an abrasive or hasty manner then not only will they be unable to derive the many benefits of the fast but it will create harm to the body.

THE NEED FOR WATER

So one key point to keep in mind is that after dry fast sufficient water is needed to properly restore the body and help it reach that pristine state. As we all know water is an indispensable part of the functioning of the body and since the human body itself is comprised mostly of water, naturally then an adequate amount of water must be taken. And multiple reasons are there behind this.

First off, after fasting there remains undigested food & waste material

sitting in colon as well as in the large and small intestines. Often enough this waste matter is collected on the linings of the intestine, thus causing blockage. So on the one hand sufficient water is needed in order to deliver a proper and thorough cleansing of the intestines-- as well as the entire digestive track. This is one point.

It is similar to if your kitchen floor gets dirty or stained and if you try to clean it with only a few drops of water, which will never suffice. In that case it will not get clean. Whereas,If sufficient water is applied then that floor can be properly cleaned-- and it will regain its shine.

Now here is another point.

Additionally, it is well known that water is one of basic ingredients for the functioning of all the organs. Thus after fasting a sufficient amount must be taken to compensate for the deficit. Plus, as discussed, water is needed in order to clean the waste from the body. So on both these accounts, and for other reasons as well, the body needs an adequate amount of water on the morning of breaking fast. However a note of caution:

"Ba'ba' strongly cautions against ever drinking a large quantity of liquid at a time, because it rapidly extends stomach, which in turn puts pressure on the heart and is very dangerous for health (one of the causes of heart-diseases."

A COUPLE POINTS OF AWARENESS

Before getting into the specifics of breaking fast, it should be mentioned that one, two, or even three glasses of water is not nearly enough for the breaking process. In their ignorance, some people might drink 1-2 glasses of water and then immediately start eating varieties of foods etc, but that way of doing is totally off base and should never be done. Rather on breaking fast morning first the digestive system should be cleaned thoroughly-- from top to bottom-- with water. And when that has been done completely, then solid food can be taken, but not beforehand.

BREAKING THE FAST ITSELF-- A "HOW TO" PROCESS

1. First mix 1/4 piece of lemon or lime with some salt in a dry container--preferably a plastic or ceramic container, but not metal.

2. Then add 1/2 litre to 1 litre of warm water and stir.

3. The lemon salt water mixture should be distinctly salty to taste-- butnot overly salty.

4. If your mixture is not sufficiently salty then little by little more can be added. And if really it is already too salty then simply dilute your mixture by adding more warm water.

5. Then one should begin to drink this lemon salt water. Not in one gulpper se, but in a series of comfortable sips and swallows over the course of a few minutes, without bloating the stomach.

6. After finishing that initial round of salty lemon water then one can

walk nearby for a minute or two-- either in the fresh air or indoors.

7. Plus you can gently stretch the upper body by raising the arms on the inhale and then exhaling and gently bending to the side. And repeat by bending to the opposite direction. This gently helps to hasten the

cleansing process.

8. Then as soon as one feels ready to again drink, then the next round of lemon salt water should be taken. Note: It is important not to wait too long in between rounds. As soon as the stomach feels comfortable one should again drink.

9. And like this multiple rounds should be done of drinking lemon salt

water and then walking slowly. This process should be repeated until one feels the need to go to the toilet. And overall upwards of 2-3 litres of lemon salt water can be ingested in this way. (Note: But under no circumstances should solid food be taken yet. Rather this will wreak havoc on the system as fresh food will be sitting on top of waste material. So no food should be taken at all until the entire system gets clear.)

10. By this process of drinking round after around, a strong urge will come

to go to the toilet-- within 1/2 hour to one hour, depending. And initially

when in the toilet a very strong smelling brown waste matter will be

released. And thereafter progressively more and more liquids will be

released via the rectum. This will also be brown at the beginning. But one

should not worry that they have been stricken with a severe case of

diarrhea. It is not like that. Rather this is the initial stage of cleaning

out the digestive track.

11. Once one has begun the process of defecating & clearing the stomach and bowels. Then you can switch over from drinking salty mixture and instead begin taking pure fresh water without any salt. This fresh water will help hydrate the body and will also aid in the cleansing process.

12. In this process of cleaning one might have to visit the toilet anywhere between 3-5 times, or more. And one important thing to remember is that never should the urge be suppressed and "held in". Rather as soon as the impulse comes one should go straight to the toilet.

13. Gradually then the matter released from the rectum will go from being brown and somewhat solid to being yellowish and liquidy until finally being a completely clear liquid. And once completely clear liquid comes then in this case one can feel assured that indeed the entire digestive track has become clean-- including the intestines, colon, and stomach. Everything has become perfectly clean.

14. And by this entire process of cleansing a very light and healthy

feeling will consume the body. And one will fell very happy, fresh, and

energetic.

15. Within ten to fifteen minutes a slight feeling of hunger will come. And at that point one can eat 2-3 ripe bananas, depending on the size. But the bananas should be soft and ripe-- not green and hard.

16. And then after taking a few bananas-- and do be careful not to overeat and fill the stomach completely-- then after waiting 25 minutes it is important to again drink some fresh water. This will help in digesting the banana.

17. And thereafter when stronger hunger comes one should take some easily digestible food-- like well-hydrated rice and vegetables, or whatever is conveniently available in your area or locale. But neither strong food like citrus fruit nor heavily spiced or oily food should be taken. These should be avoided and instead more simple food should be eaten.

18. And throughout the day care should be taken to continue to drink fresh water in small amounts, but not at the same time as eating. This will help ensure the solid food gets digested properly and it will also keep the body hydrated.

TAKING PROPER CARE

One should also keep in mind that breaking fast is a highly individualized thing. And one should be gentle and listen to one's own body when undergoing this entire process.

So altogether, this is one very important and a delicate subject; it needs personal interest and proper care to see what is good and working well for you.

BABA'S BLESSING

I can never forget how in one general darshan, Baba has given the guideline that although animals know how to fast, only humans know how to break their fast properly. And those who are not aware about this technique then they should be taught at the earliest. In that way Baba spoke.

ANOTHER BABA'S BLESSING

Baba says, "When you are in a mood of pleasure, you should distribute it throughout the universe-- let all the hearts of the entire created universe dance in ecstasy. This is the goal of the day: you are for all, you are for the Neo-Humanistic progress of the entire universe." (AFPS-5)

== NATURAL WAY OF LIVING (continuation)

Namaskar, Each and every Ananda Margii understands that Baba has blessed us with all the gifts for a fruitful life. He has graciously bestowed upon us the needed tools, guidelines, and "know-how" for a pristine and sweet existence. And while so many of His teachings lead us in this direction, certainly His divine guidelines about fasting are also an essential ingredient. For it is by this wonderful process of regular fasting that our whole entire being gets cleansed and purified-- in all the realms of life: physical, mental, and spiritual. And that propels us forward towards our cherished Goal.

PURIFYING THE PHYSICAL BODY

On the physical plane, fasting plays a direct and significant role. because the whole health and balance of the physical body revolves around the stomach. Non-sa’dhakas may raise their eyebrows about such a statement, but those with just a little inner understanding about their bodily systems and functions recognize that the stomach is the nucleus and the most integral organ for maintaining human health on a day to day basis.

Because only in the case of the stomach does something from the external environment actually enter inside the body. And that "something" which enters is of course food which gets deposited directly into the stomach; and then in turn the various nutritional (and not-so-nutritional) components get distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. But the stomach is the starting point.

So if the stomach is not in good working order and if it cannot do its job properly, then the immediate effect is that the limbs and the various body parts and organs get adversely affected and diseased.

And what results are problems like: Acidity, gout, rheumatism, obesity,

skin diseases, and ultimately cancer, heart disease, and more. All of this starts with the initial onset of difficulties in the stomach. And in numerous chapter of Yogic Treatment book, Baba clearly describes this.

Yet, as we may have experienced, the practice of regular fasting naturally controls all these problems. So, before any real difficulty develops the health of the human body is restored. That is why most sa’dhakas do not suffer from the aforementioned physical ailments and diseases. Instead we enjoy a strong state of health.

And if per chance any problem does arise, then in numerous chapters of His Yogic Treatment book, Baba prescribes fasting as a cure. Hence fasting is an excellent resource and remedy for various physical ailments and diseases as it helps purify the entire body.

Baba says, "Fasting is also included in the scope of Pramitaha'r, because it gives rest to the digestive organs and frees the body from so many ailments." (AV-14)

Baba says, "During fasting the body's organs get a good rest, and the

healing process is more rapid." (YT, p.95)

Thus those who fast regularly maintain a healthy and vibrant existence and find that the body becomes completely habituated and adjusted to this cycle of fasting. Such that the body is anxious and ready for the next fasting as the day approaches. This is the common experience of many sa’dhakas. And by this way the body keeps itself neat and clean.

MENTAL CLARITY AND SHARPNESS

In addition, on the mental plane also fasting has a tremendous effect.

Because we have all experienced that after a big meal we tend to feel

sleepy, tired, and even a bit dull. This is the common problem and the

reason behind this is that when we ingest food then that blood has to race to the stomach to help in digestion. And in that way less fresh oxygenated blood goes to the brain. So during fasting none of the body's crucial resources get diverted towards the stomach. In which case the body can better support one's mental functioning.

That is why on fasting day sa’dhakas experience a distinct clarity of

thought and mental freshness. The mind is flexible and sharp as it is not dragged down by the comparatively crude bodily functions such as digestion.

Another everyday example of this phenomenon is that just before an exam or important meeting or debate, no student or professional person eats a large meal.Otherwise their mental faculties will be significantly hampered.

That is why in numerous traditions people proclaim that a light stomach

equals a light mind. And fasting is an exceptional method for enhancing

mental concentration and energy.

BENEFITS IN SPIRITUAL LIFE

And of course the benefits of fasting in spiritual life are well known to all. No doubt initially at the very beginning one may feel that it is difficult to do sa´dhana on fasting days. But with just a little effort many sa’dhakas experience very good sa´dhana on those days since all of the body's energy can be utilized for spiritual pursuits. And Baba's guideline below is pointing in this same direction.

Baba says, "As a result of fasting, the poisonous and unproductive waste of the body gets destroyed and expelled. Moreover, the energy that is not expended in digesting food can be utilized for other purposes. Therefore, a fast day is an excellent time for sadhana.(CC-3)

FASTING IS NOT JUST FASTING BUT UPAVASA

Here below Baba colorfully describes how we are to spend our fasting days.BABA says, "'Upa' means proximity. And va'sa means to live, to reside. So the upava'sa word means to live near the Lord. In these days of fasting, what the aspirants are to do? Mentally they should live near their Lord. On all other days there remains a balance between external objective adjustment, and subjective approach. But on these fasting, or upava'sa, the aspirant remains more in proximity to the Lord than in other mundane duties. That's why these days are known as "upava'sa". The word 'fasting' doesn't carry the proper sense or the proper spirit of the term 'upava'sa'. To go without food, for this the proper word is anasan. 'An' means not, 'asan' means eating. And not upava'sa. So these ekadashii, amava'sya, and purnima they are, upava'sa. Do you follow?" (BABA)

And Baba's next guideline further details how fasting days are perfect for an enhanced spiritual routine.

Baba says, "These fixed [fasting] days are called upava’sa since during

these days people keeping their minds engaged in spiritual matters 'live closer' to God, and any possibility of mental degradation is averted: their humanity is not endangered by the lengthening shadows of annihilation."(NSS, p.188)

By all this we an understand that on fasting days one can enjoy heightened spiritual awareness and thus deepen their devotional link with Parama Purusa-- Baba.

CLOSING

We have all experienced how our AM practices produce a beneficial effect. We have now seen that fasting also has a direct link with one's physical, mental, spiritual development.

Note 1: Here following Baba says more about the process of upava’sa.

Baba says, "Upava’sa in the sense of fasting is also useless...if one does real upava’sa that can do a lot. The scriptural meaning of upava’sa is—by derivation-- upa which means "near", and va'sa, which means "to stay". Upava’sa therefore means "to make the mind stay near Parama´tman'". In other words, it means to withdraw the mind from thoughts of physicalities and keep it near Parama´tman'. The sanskrit word for fasting as such is anashana [remaining hungry / starving]." (AVM 23, p. 36-7)

THERE ARE MANY IMPORTANT POINTS REGARDING FASTING

This is the fourth part of this series on the benefits and importance of fasting and how to break fast. Because as we know fasting itself is not enough; as sa’dhakas it is essential that fast be broken in a complete yet gentle manner. Otherwise the health benefits of the fasting will be lost.

"Also, in the "old days", Margis used to eat an after-fasting breakfast of soaked tapioca with fruits and "gur". I believe Didi AMitra omitted that from her book because tapioca is not as widely available as bananas. And, anyway, it is good to stay away from too much prescribing and creating unnecessary, unrealistic and impractical dogmas out of a breakfast. Ayurveda, on which Ba'ba's Yogic Treatments is based, recognizes a difference in diets for different constitutions, and even bananas are not good for everyone..."