We observe fast in every month and on various types of festivals, but do you know the classical method for it? If you don’t know then this article may be for you. According to Mahabharata Anushasan Parva Chapter Number 145, Lord Shiva explains the method and benefits of observing fast to Mother Parvati.
First of all, after taking a ritual bath in the morning, a person himself should take fast and perform religious rituals by requesting the service of Panch-Mahabhoota, Moon, Sun, evening of both the periods, Dharma, Yama and ancestors. Keep your fast till death or keep it for that long by setting a time limit. Observe the fast by eating vegetables and fruits etc. At that time celibacy should also be followed. A person who wants his welfare should observe the fast by using any one of the many things like milk etc.
It is advisable for scholars not to break their fast. Protect him in every way. Breaking the fast is a great sin, but if one breaks the fast unknowingly or with the permission of one’s teachers for the sake of medicine, it does not become impure. At the end of the fast, a person should worship God, this helps him get success in his work.
Regarding the method of defecation during fasting, Mahadev says that there are two types of defecation: –
One is external (external) defecation, the other is internal defecation, which is first described as mental purification (do not allow any negative thought other than God to flourish in the mind.) This is called internal defecation here. Always consume pure food and keep the body also pure. It is considered best to take pure water in hand and bathe with it three times. Touch only pure water, rinse your hands and face with it and take bath.
According to the ethos and tradition, do not bring any distortion in your mind, do not hold hatred towards anyone, do not lie, do not do non-violence, do not speak unpleasantly to anyone, concentrate only on God, only then your fast will be successful.
scientific aspect of fasting
Let us now look at the scientific aspect. We think according to today’s era. We consume only Tamasic food for 30 days of every month, due to which our body suffers from diseases and our lifespan also gets reduced. There are two Ekadashis in every month, monthly Shivratri and many other festivals are associated with every month. Therefore, the sages have suggested a very good and simple solution to increase your lifespan and increase interest towards spirituality. The more fast you observe, the more satvik your body will be.
Because during fasting we eat only tubers, roots etc. which are nutritious for our body, that is not tamasic food. If you observe fast during all the festivals, it actually purifies you in a way. It is also necessary to detoxify the body, fasting is the best solution for that. By observing fast, your age also increases and your spiritual philosophy also increases.