Use of Fasting????

Hare Krishna.

First of all, fasting is not mechanical activity. If some one is fasting, no matter for what reason, if it is not done for the pleasure of Lord Hari, it is of no use. The Idea of fasting on ekadasi or any of the appearance days like Janmashatmi, Gaur Purnima etc is not to give trouble to our body but to increase our devotional service to Lord. I know many devotees chant 32 or 64 rounds on ekadasi and they fast even from water on all eakadasi. Some devotees try to read more or hear more lectures on when they are fasting. Cooking involves a lot of time and energy and just to satisfy our senses, we are ready to spend time on cooking everyday. So, fasting in a way helps you come closer to Krishna if it is done with right attitude and conciseness.

Many people do fast on certain day in a week and dedicate it to some demigod. But if it is done properly, they will definitely have its benefit. In south India, especially in Karnataka, we have a lot of Ganeshji temple. In Mysore where I used to live, we had practically one temple in every main roads in the locality. And many people follow the sankashtahara ganapati vrata. I was also doing this way back in 1998-99 when I was student. In this vrata, devotees fast whole day and in the evening do elaborate worship of Ganeshji and then after moon rise take some prasad. I was having only a glass of milk in the day. But the whole intention was to get some material benefit. Since I was a student, I wanted to get good grades and be successful in life. Since, I did the worship according to scriptures, Ganeshji reciprocated to my prayers. I got admitted to NIT Surathkal and by the divine arrangement ISKCON youth wing from Pune started a center nearby where I came in touch with devotees for the first time.

Well a long story. But the point is, if you do anything according to scriptures, you will get benefit. But this is only material comforts. If we want to just fast and do a show off then it is of no use. When devotees asked if we need to fast on ekadasi to Prabhupaad, he said yes you must fast on all ekadasis. But if you are feeling tired because of fasting, eat something non grain prasadam and do more service rather than simply sitting in a corner.

Hari bol!!!

Replies

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Sudheendra S June 25, 2011 at 6:09pm

Hare Krishna.

First of all, fasting is not mechanical activity. If some one is fasting, no matter for what reason, if it is not done for the pleasure of Lord Hari, it is of no use. The Idea of fasting on ekadasi or any of the appearance days like Janmashatmi, Gaur Purnima etc is not to give trouble to our body but to increase our devotional service to Lord. I know many devotees chant 32 or 64 rounds on ekadasi and they fast even from water on all eakadasi. Some devotees try to read more or hear more lectures on when they are fasting. Cooking involves a lot of time and energy and just to satisfy our senses, we are ready to spend time on cooking everyday. So, fasting in a way helps you come closer to Krishna if it is done with right attitude and conciseness.

Many people do fast on certain day in a week and dedicate it to some demigod. But if it is done properly, they will definitely have its benefit. In south India, especially in Karnataka, we have a lot of Ganeshji temple. In Mysore where I used to live, we had practically one temple in every main roads in the locality. And many people follow the sankashtahara ganapati vrata. I was also doing this way back in 1998-99 when I was student. In this vrata, devotees fast whole day and in the evening do elaborate worship of Ganeshji and then after moon rise take some prasad. I was having only a glass of milk in the day. But the whole intention was to get some material benefit. Since I was a student, I wanted to get good grades and be successful in life. Since, I did the worship according to scriptures, Ganeshji reciprocated to my prayers. I got admitted to NIT Surathkal and by the divine arrangement ISKCON youth wing from Pune started a center nearby where I came in touch with devotees for the first time.

Well a long story. But the point is, if you do anything according to scriptures, you will get benefit. But this is only material comforts. If we want to just fast and do a show off then it is of no use. When devotees asked if we need to fast on ekadasi to Prabhupaad, he said yes you must fast on all ekadasis. But if you are feeling tired because of fasting, eat something non grain prasadam and do more service rather than simply sitting in a corner.

Hari bol!!!
Man June 25, 2011 at 5:42pm

Jai Shri Krishna..

Just like abandoning all religion and accepting Krishna.. you should abandon all fast and accept only the Ekadashi fast..

This is my resolve..

Hari Bol!

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