Procedure for Fasting: Difference between revisions

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== Chapter synopsis ==
== Chapter synopsis ==
=== Definition of fasting, who should observe it and when ===
=== Definition of fasting, who should observe it and when ===
Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar started this chapter by defining the term ''Upavasa''. He told, voluntary fasting on certain days is called "upavasa". The derivative meaning of the term ''upavasa'' is to remain in Iishvara's proximity and try to keep one's mind absorbed in the thought of Iishvara. People who have been initiated into Ananda Marga Iishvara Prańidhána must observe voluntarily fasting on every ekádashii days. Avadhutas, avadhutikas need to observe fasts on all púrńimá and amávasyá days too.
Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar started this chapter by defining the term ''upavása''. He told, voluntary fasting on certain days is called "upavása". The derivative meaning of the term ''upavása'' is to remain in Iishvara's proximity and try to keep one's mind absorbed in the thought of Iishvara. People who have been initiated into Ananda Marga Iishvara Prańidhána must observe voluntarily fasting on every ekádashii days. Avadhutas, avadhutikas need to observe fasts on all púrńimá and amávasyá days too.


=== Procedure of fasting ===
=== Procedure of fasting ===
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Sarkar explained, the food that we take is converted, through transformation, into its final essence, called ''shukra''. This ''shukra'' is the food of the brain. From it, the ectoplasmic particles of the unit mind are produced. If one fasts according to the system, no excess ''shukra'' will excite the lower ''vrtti''s of the mind, and the mind will be led toward the higher ''vrtti''s. Furthermore, as a result of fasting, the poisonous and unnecessary waste of the body gets destroyed and expelled. Moreover, the energy that is not expended in digesting food can be utilized for other purposes. That is why, a fast day is an excellent time for sádhaná.
Sarkar explained, the food that we take is converted, through transformation, into its final essence, called ''shukra''. This ''shukra'' is the food of the brain. From it, the ectoplasmic particles of the unit mind are produced. If one fasts according to the system, no excess ''shukra'' will excite the lower ''vrtti''s of the mind, and the mind will be led toward the higher ''vrtti''s. Furthermore, as a result of fasting, the poisonous and unnecessary waste of the body gets destroyed and expelled. Moreover, the energy that is not expended in digesting food can be utilized for other purposes. That is why, a fast day is an excellent time for sádhaná.


=== Useful links ===
== See also ==
* [https://sarkarverse.org/images/1/1f/Fasting_dates_2018-2019.xlsx Ananda Marga fasting dates for 2018-2019] (calculated by Madhusudhana)
* [[Fasting]]


== References ==
== References ==