== FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH PART IV ==
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-sadhakas may raise their eyebrows about such a statement, but
those with just a little inner understanding about their bodily systems and
functions recognise 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. Because before any real difficulty develops
the health of the human body is restored. That is why most sadhakas 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 sadhakas. 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 sadhakas 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, then no student or professional person will
eat 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 sadhana on fasting days. But with just a little effort many
sadhakas experience very good sadhana on those days since all of the body's
energy can be utilised 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 utilised 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. An adjustment between 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 upavasa 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 AND REQUEST
We have all experienced how our AM practices produce a beneficial effect.
Thus when fasting itself has such a direct link with one's physical,
mental, spiritual development, then others are encouraged to share some of
the things they have experienced by this important practice. It will be
inspiring to hear other's stories and reflections.
Namaskar,
Manjit
Note 1: LINKS TO OTHER LETTERS ON THIS TOPIC
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/01/for-optimal-health.html
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/01/for-optimal-health-ii.html
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/01/for-optimal-health-iii.html
Note 2: Here following Baba says more about the process of upavasa.
Baba says, "Upavasa in the sense of fasting is also useless...if one does
real upavasa that can do a lot. The scriptural meaning of uspavasa is-- by
derivation-- upa which means "near", and va'sa, which means "to stay".
Upa'vasa therefore means "to make the mind stay near Parama'tma'". In other
words, it means to withdraw the mind from thoughts of physicalities and
keep it near Parama'tama'. The sanskrit word for fasting as such is
anashana [remaining hungry / starving]." (AVM 23, p. 36-7)
Note 3: 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 sadhakas it is essential that fast be broken in a complete yet
gentle manner. Otherwise the health benefits of the fasting will be lost.
Thus for a complete view of fasting please also reference the other
postings on this topic. If anyone does not have these and would like a copy
then please write the AM-GLOBAL editors-- as they have indicated that they
will mail out copies as requested.
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Life is For Baba
"This life is for Him..."
"... His universe we will serve in coordination team..."
(PS 5009)
Note: In Baba's above divine teaching, He is guiding us that we should work
unitedly. However, demonic groupist leaders are trying to ruin this. To
please Baba, our collective duty is to save this situation in a united way.
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