Fasting

Introduction

•  Fasting is observed as a key element among many religions worldwide. •  Although many practice the tradition, there are variances in how they are carried out, in

the reasons they are participating and when they practice.

•  However, there are often also similarities between differing religions that connect them to one another.

Importance

•  It is essential to understand other religions in how and why they live they way they do, and to be aware of their significance in culture.

•  Fasting will not just be defined in general terms, along with its origination, but will be investigated specifically in the three religions of Buddhism, Catholicism, and Islam to illustrate the similarities and differences of the practice among the religions.

The Origin of Fasting

•  Definition: An abstinence from food, or a limiting of one's food, especially when voluntary and as a religious observance.

•  Ancient fasting was typically done for two main reasons…

•  Special Spiritual Rites

•  Purification

http://www.howtofast.net/context/fasting-origins.html http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fasting

Spiritual Rites

•  Performed before an important undertaking. •  Examples are Initiations, Coming-of-Age ceremonies, etc.

•  Symbolize a break from past.

•  Longer fasts may produce hallucinations, seen as mystical revelations.

•  Breaking the fast symbolizes the return home.

http://www.howtofast.net/context/fasting-origins.html

Purification

•  Fasting was, and still is, often used as a means of purification. •  By denying the body the pleasure of food, one disciplines themselves to receive a

reward or thanks upon the improvement.

•  Seen as a method of purifying the body and readying oneself for the undertaking or reward.

http://www.howtofast.net/context/fasting-origins.html

Fasting within Buddhism

The white lotus flower grows in muddy water

and symbolizes purification in

Buddhism, as it represents purifying the spirit born into

murkiness.

http://buddhists.org/buddhist-symbols/the-meaning-of-the-lotus-flower-in-buddhism/

Fasting as a Spiritual Practice

•  Buddhism is a monastic tradition.

•  Fasting in the monastic community is considered an ascetic practice, also called a "dhutanga" practice. •  Dhutanga means "to shake up" or "invigoration.“

•  Dhutangas are a specific list of thirteen practices, in which four involve food.

•  1) Eating once a day; 2) Eating at one sitting; 3) Reducing the amount you eat; 4) On alms-round, eating only the food that you receive at the first seven houses.

•  These practices are adopted by individuals voluntarily, they are not required in the normal course of a Buddhist monastic's life of practice.

http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma9/fasting.html

Origin of Fasting in Buddhism

•  Siddartha Guatama is known as the founder of Buddhism and is commonly referred to as the “Buddha”, which means one who has “woken up”. •  While trying to find an escape from inevitable

suffering, he underwent several extreme measures, such as holding his breath and nearly starving himself by eating only a single grain of rice and sesame seed per day.

•  Upon eating again after collapsing from lack of food, he realized that in order to achieve enlightenment, one must live in moderation and such extreme measures were not the answer.

Young, William A. "Chapter 4: Theravada Buddhism - The Middle Way." The World's Religions: Worldviews and Contemporary Issues. 4th ed. Print.

“The Middle Way”

•  The Buddha did not experience the removal of desire through extreme fasting that he was seeking, but discovered a renewal of desire upon breaking his fast. This led to the belief that “The Middle Way” of moderation between the two should be followed.

•  With fasting in Buddhism, moderation is to be followed, but there are many variances.

http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma9/fasting.html

“The Middle Way”

•  Fasting in the lay community in Asia is often known by the Chinese word zhai, which means both "vegetarian" and "fasting."

•  This is done by removing the meat from one's diet twice a month on the new or full moon days, or six times a month, or more often.

•  By removing indulgences from the diet, in this case, nutrients that are luxuries eaten to satisfy the desire for flavor, one performs a fast and brings merit to those who fast.

http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma9/fasting.html

“The Middle Way”

•  Fasting with monastics is often more extreme and is performed under the guidance of a mentor. •  When beginning a fast, one eats dry bread for three days to prepare

the stomach for no food and only a small amount of water is drunk daily for the remainder.

•  When ending the fast, small portions of thin porridge or gruel are eaten every few hours for three days, until the digestive system has returned to normal function.

•  If this first fast is successful and beneficial to one's practice, then a thirty-six day fast can be attempted. •  Over many years of extending fasting periods, some can fast for

periods up to 72 days!

http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma9/fasting.html

“The Middle Way”

•  Some less strict traditions are not even vegetarian, but follow a diet exempting the five pungent plants (onion, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives), eggs, alcohol, and tobacco. •  Children often never participate in a fast.

http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma9/fasting.html

Motivations for Fasting

•  Fasting is a method for practicing self-control.

•  Purification •  Another main reason for fasting, particularly with monastics, is receiving clarity of thought.

•  This can lead to one becoming weaker and not being able to maintain meditation as long. However, there have been cases where the opposite has occurred.

http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma9/fasting.html http://www.budsas.org/ebud/whatbudbeliev/214.htm

•  Many Buddhists believe that by eating less luxurious foods, they serve the planet and all living beings and create merit for themselves.

•  By sacrificing a meal, the food not being consumed can be contributed to those who are starving or do not have a proper meal.

Fasting within Catholicism

Catholicism

•  Catholic – means “universal”

•  Catholics’ deity is God (the Holy Trinity), and view Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah, which means “anointed one” or “chosen one” in Hebrew.

•  The first form of Christianity, commonly referred to as “the Church.” •  Before later divisions of Christianity from the Church, such as during the Protestant Reformation.

•  Original Christians were Jews and was formed in times of extreme persecution of early Christians.

•  Members follow the pope as their supreme leader. •  The first pope was one of Jesus’s apostles, or early followers, named Peter.

•  His original name was Simon but was given the name Peter by Jesus, meaning “rock.”

•  Jesus said to him “you are Peter and upon this rock I will build My church.”

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5358 http://www.patheos.com/Library/Roman-Catholicism/Historical-Development/Early-Developments.html

Chi Rho – the first two letters of the Greek word for “Christ” and is a significant symbol in Catholicism.

Abstinence vs. Fasting

Abstinence •  To refrain from eating certain foods, most

prominently meat.

•  Meat is considered the flesh and organs of mammals and fowls, including soups and gravies made from them.

•  Fish, amphibians, reptiles, shellfish, and products derived from animals are allowed.

Fasting •  To reduce the amount of food eaten from

normal.

•  Is defined as one meal a day with two smaller meals, which, if added together, would not surpass the main meal in amount of food.

•  Drinks that may be considered food are not allowed, as is eating between meals. •  Example – milk is allowed, but not milkshakes.

http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/abfast.php

Lent

•  Lent is a 40 day period, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter Sunday. •  It is a time of preparation to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead on Easter Sunday.

•  The number “40” is spiritually significant for preparation and the 40 day period is largely contributed from when Jesus fasted and prayed in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights before beginning His public ministry.

•  Important Days:

•  Holy Week – the week before Easter Sunday.

•  Good Friday – the Friday during Holy Week and is the day Jesus was persecuted through crucifixion.

•  Both fasting and abstinence from meat is observed on Ash Wednesday, followed by only abstinence from meat each Friday until Good Friday, when both abstinence and fasting are practiced again.

•  Some may vary their Lent penance by fasting every Friday of Lent or even by abstaining from meat every Friday of the year. It is common for a person to also give up another luxury, such as alcohol.

http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/abfast.php http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/history-of-lent.html

Lent

•  Includes fasting as a means of self-discipline, purification, and penance.

•  Age Restrictions: •  For abstinence, it is required to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent

from one’s 14th birthday until death.

•  For fasting, it is required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday from one’s 18th birthday until they reach 60 years of age.

•  However, these conditions may change due to health factors. •  For example, pregnant women, manual laborers, the sick, etc. who need meat

and/or nourishment to remain healthy are excused, though it is still expected for them to do penance in another form.

http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/abfast.php

Fasting within Islam

Islam

•  Islam – means “submission to the will of God”

•  Believe in one God called Allah, and that He has sent prophets to teach His law.

•  Jesus of Nazareth is recognized as a prophet, with Muhammad respected as the final one.

•  It is believed that Islam has always existed, but was gradually revealed by the prophets and was completed with the Prophet Muhammad.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/ataglance/glance.shtml

Muhammad

•  According to the Qur’an, Muhammad was visited while meditating in a cave by the angel Jibreel, who mentioned Allah, causing Muhammad to recite what was believed to by the word of God.

•  Muhammad continued to receive revelations and began teaching them, but was later seen as a threat and had to flee from Mecca to Medina when his popularity rose. •  This journey became known as the Hijrah (“migration”) and marks

the beginning of the Islamic calendar in 622 CE.

•  His revelations were recorded into what became the Qur’an, the Muslim scripture.

•  Within 10 years, he returned to Mecca and conquered it with his many followers. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/history/muhammad_1.shtml

Sawm

•  The Five Pillars of Islam are the five obligations that every Muslim must satisfy to live a good and responsible life according to Islam.

•  The fourth of the five pillars is sawm, which is fasting during the month of Ramadan.

•  During the hours of daylight and 29 of the 30 days of Ramadan, all adult Muslims (over the age of 12 years) are not allowed to:

•  Eat food or drink fluids of any sort.

•  Smoke, including passive smoking.

•  Engage in sexual activity.

•  Abstinence from physical activities, evil thoughts, and evil deeds are also practiced.

•  After sundown, most will break the fast with dates and water, as Muhammad did, and will eat a large meal called suhur just before sunrise.

•  If one is physically or mentally ill, pregnant, sick, elderly, traveling, etc., and cannot fast, they are expected to make up the fast another time or donate to the poor.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/practices/sawm.shtml

Reasons for Fasting

•  Obeying God •  Learning self-discipline •  Becoming spiritually stronger

•  Appreciating God's gifts to us

•  Sharing the sufferings of the poor and developing sympathy for them •  Realising the value of charity and generosity

•  Giving thanks for the Holy Qur’an •  Sharing fellowship with other Muslims

Similar to Buddhism and Catholicism

Similar to Catholicism

Similar to Buddhism

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/practices/sawm.shtml

Ramadan

•  Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic year, which follows a lunar calendar. •  Often called the “month of the

Qur’an”

•  Is believed to be the month when the Qur’an was first revealed and the gates of Heaven are open, while the gates of Hell are closed with the devils chained up.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/practices/ramadan_1.shtml

Youtube video: What is Ramadan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kM27b-iaBg

Islamic Fasting Compared to Buddhist and Catholic Fasting from the Perspective of a Muslim

Youtube video- Inquisitor: Fasting in Other Religions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijm25LZ5Ass

Works Cited

•  "Fast." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, 2015. Web. 9 Apr. 2015. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fasting

•  "Fasting and Abstinence." Catholic Online. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/abfast.php

•  Fasting in Other Religions. Youtube., 8 Aug. 2014. Web. 15 Apr. 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijm25LZ5Ass

•  "Islam at a Glance." BBC News. BBC, Web. 15 Apr. 2015. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/ataglance/glance.shtml

•  "On Fasting from a Buddhist's Perspective." Interview by Rev. Heng Sure. UrbanDharma.org. Web. 10 Apr. 2015. http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma9/fasting.html

•  "Prophet Muhammad (570-632)." BBC News. BBC, Web. 15 Apr. 2015. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/history/muhammad_1.shtml

•  "Ramadan." BBC News. BBC, Web. 15 Apr. 2015. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/practices/ramadan_1.shtml

•  "Sawm." BBC News. BBC, Web. 14 Apr. 2015. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/practices/sawm.shtml

Works Cited

•  "St. Peter, First Pope." Catholic Online. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5358

•  "The Meaning of the Lotus Flower in Buddhism." Buddhists.org. Web. 9 Apr. 2015. http://buddhists.org/buddhist-symbols/the-meaning-of-the-lotus-flower-in-buddhism/

•  "The Origins of Fasting as a Sacred Tradition." How to Fast. Web. 9 Apr. 2015. http://www.howtofast.net/context/fasting-origins.html

•  Bellitto, Christopher. "Early Developments." Patheos Library. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. http://www.patheos.com/Library/Roman-Catholicism/Historical-Development/Early-Developments.html

•  Saunders, William, Fr. "History of Lent." Catholic Education Resource Center. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/history-of-lent.html

•  Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda Maha Thera. "Religious Significance of Fasting." BuddhaSasana. Web. 10 Apr. 2015. http://www.budsas.org/ebud/whatbudbeliev/214.htm

•  What Is Ramadan. Youtube., 22 July 2014. Web. 15 Apr. 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kM27b-iaBg

•  Young, William A. "Chapter 4: Theravada Buddhism - The Middle Way." The World's Religions: Worldviews and Contemporary Issues. 4th ed. Print.