Fasting helps de-toxify the body. After or during a longer fast, one can often meditate quite deeply. Fasting helps with gaining self-control over the powerful food addiction.
Fasting must be done with common sense and awareness, however. Once a week, fasting on juice and ground nuts, like almonds, is a good thing to try. Three days a month, perhaps also. But beyond that longer fasting can attract fanatical tendencies and should be done with some guidance. Herbal laxative should be taken the night before.
Do not be fanatical but learn to control the palate. Fasting can help with meditation, health, and clarity of mind. It should not be over emphasized, however.
Question from Rob Redeker: Dear Swami, I am reading The Path (“het Pad” in Dutch) by swami Kriyananda. In the Path Kriyananda mentions fasting. This idea appeals to me, to follow his example by fasting one day a week. However since I have difficulties with balancing foods and drinks, i would like to receive some advice including do’s an don’ts. Can you help me…
Question from venkatesh: swami i would like to have more details on fasting, which many religions have specified venkatesh
