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Sunday August 9, 2009

Fasting, a way of life

Vasthu Sastra: By T.SELVA


FASTING is an ancient Indian tradition still being followed by many people because it is an effective means of controlling one’s desires.

People fast for many reasons, among them, spiritual development, health and wellbeing, and to remove problems and attain peace of mind.

There are almost as many methods of fasting, too; the common practices are not eating for a day or half a day, or abstaining from meat and fish.

According to scripture, saints and sages purified their minds and souls and developed divine powers by fasting.

I find fasting useful in overcoming tension and in mitigating the damage caused by our modern way of life.

In India, fasting and spirituality are interconnected, and Hindus believe that fasting can neutralise disorder in the body. When you fast, the whole body moves towards the spiritual instead of focusing on material matters like food.

Fasting has been used as a way of protest, too, in India at first and then around the world. Mahatma Gandhi used it as a potent weapon in his non-violent resistance against colonial oppression and injustice in India in the 1920s and 1930s.

He used rigorous, long fasts for both self-purification and protest; currently, many Indian political leaders and parties follow the Mahatma’s approach.

It is said that a person never dies from eating less but will definitely be harmed by over-eating.

Apart from cultural values, fasting offers many health benefits, like detoxification; toxins are stored in the body in the form of fat, which fasting can get rid of.

Other benefits of fasting:

>Rejuvenates the digestive system and makes it more effective; the peristalsic action of the intestines (which cause natural bowel movement) is stronger after fasting.

>Energy level and sensory perception increases; the longer the fast, the bigger the increase in energy and vitality.

>Organs are revitalised and cellular biochemistry is harmonised.

>It makes skin silky soft and sensitive; breathing becomes fuller, freer, and deeper, which leads to a healthier body.

In the Hindu system, an individual can fast based on the particular planet and deity that governs each day. Depending upon the purpose of the fast, one can also do it to reduce the malefic effect of a particular planet or deity.

>Sunday is devoted to the Sun. One must offer prayers to Surya and should only eat once in the day before sunset. Fasting on this day will reduce heat-related illnesses and help overcome enemies.

>Monday is devoted to the Moon. Prayers should be offered to Lord Shiva and the goddess Parvati, and food should be consumed once. This will ensure marital bliss.

>Tuesday is governed by the planet Mars; fasting for 12 Tuesdays can help overcome the malefic effects of Mars and remove all kinds of obstacles. Prayers should be offered to Hanuman.

>Wednesday is controlled by Mercury; one is recommended to eat more greens on this day. Offering prayers to Lord Shiva will appease difficulties.

>Thursday is ruled by Jupiter; fasting on this day promotes greater learning and prosperity. Food must be eaten only once, and charitable activities are encouraged.

>Friday is devoted to Venus; one should only eat once, perform charitable deeds.

>Saturday is devoted to Saturn; offering prayers to the Lord Shani is encouraged because this planet’s effects can be harsh and long-lasting.

Fasting during auspicious religious festivals like the Navratris can also bring benefits not only to the person fasting but also to his family.

Vasthu talks

The columnist will give a talk on creating a happy home following Vasthu Sastra principles and ancient Indian wisdom today at 3pm at the 3rd Floor Seminar Hall, Bangsar Village II, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

A similar talk will be held on Sept 6 at the Shirdi Sai Baba Centre at No. 40, Queen Street, George Town.

Admission to both the talks is free. To register, call 012-329 9713.

> Senior News Editor T. Selva has spent years researching and writing about the ancient Indian science of construction, better known as ‘Indian feng shui’. He is the first disciple of 7th generation Vasthu Sastra Master Yuvaraj Sowma from Chennai, India.

The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, usefulness, fitness for any particular purpose or other assurances as to the opinions and views expressed in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses suffered directly or indirectly arising from reliance on such opinions and views.

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