Rich in colors, tradition, songs, and dance, Navratri is also a time for us to relax, turn inwards and recharge ourselves with new energy. Fasting during Navratri makes that inner journey towards bliss and joy easier to make. It reduces the restlessness of the mind and brings forth awareness and joy.
The Dynamics of Fasting
We fast not to please the Divine, but to cleanse our body.
~ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
According to Ayurveda, fasting rekindles the digestive fire. An increase in the digestive fire burns the toxins in the body. When the toxins are flushed out of the body, it loses dullness and lethargy. All the cells of the body are rejuvenated. Fasting, therefore, is an effective therapy to cleanse our body. When the body is cleansed, the mind becomes calmer and more peaceful because of the deep connection between the body and mind.
As fasting rekindles the digestive fire, it helps in de-stressing and building immunity.
Usually, most of us don’t wait to feel hungry. Hunger is the way our body indicates that it is prepared to digest food. Eating even before feeling hungry weakens the digestive system, which in turn leads to stress and poor immunity. As fasting rekindles the digestive fire, it helps in de-stressing and building up immunity.
Plunge into deeper Meditations with Navratri Fasts
Navratri is the time to spend time with yourself, meditate, and connect with the source of existence.. When fasting decreases the restlessness of the mind, it becomes easier for it to turn inwards and meditate. However, make sure that you eat sufficient amounts of fresh fruits and other sattvic food to keep yourself energized..
Reap the benefits of a Sattva Bloom
Fasting coupled with meditation increases sattva – the quality of tranquility and positivity within us. An increase in sattva makes our mind more peaceful and alert. As a result, our intentions and prayers become more powerful. A sattva bloom also makes the body lighter and energetic. We become more efficient. As a result, our desires manifest and our tasks get accomplished easily.
Why fasting is combined with prayer all over the world and in all religions, is because when you are fasting, you are detoxified, and your prayer becomes authentic and deep.
~ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Note: Fasting is not recommended for certain body constitutions and health conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to consult an Ayurvedic doctor before you fast. Also, keep in mind that you must fast only as much as you are comfortable.
FAQs on Benefits of Fasting
We fast not to please the Divine, but to cleanse our body. You overwork your liver, stomach and pancreas so much. If there was a labor court for the body, all these organs would have complained against you in that court. We don’t allow them to rest at all. We drink and eat the whole day until night, and we overwork our system. They do need some rest and for that you need to fast. God is not going to be pleased by your fasting. It is more to detox your own body. And why fasting is combined with prayer all over the world and in all religions, is because when you are fasting, you are detoxified and your prayer becomes authentic and deep. Your meditation happens best when your stomach is empty. Isn’t that your experience? If you meditate on a full stomach, you will fall asleep. That is why it is said, you can say your prayers when you are fasting as your body is detoxified and your mind is rested and alert. Our fasting has an impact on our alertness, and our mind that is why in all the religions of the world, be it Islam, Christianity, Hinduism or Jainism, fasting has been followed. But it is only for the body and not to please God.
Ayurveda, or the traditional Indian system of medicine, considers fasting as an effective way to rekindle the digestive fire or hunger. Hunger is the way our body indicates that it is prepared to digest food. Eating even before feeling hungry weakens the digestive system, which in turn leads to stress and a poor immunity level. Fasting increases our digestive fire and this fire burns the lethargy and dullness in the body that comes through excessive eating. That is why after fasting you feel so fresh and light because every cell of our body comes alive. Fasting is a great therapy to cleanse our body. The benefits of fasting are not only seen on the physical level but have a positive effect on the mind and emotions as well. When the body is purified through fasting, the mind is also purified. The mind becomes calm, clear and peaceful. Normally during Navratri people do Upavaas (fasting). Actually, upavaas means ‘sitting close’- to the Self, the Master, the Divine. And when you are close to yourself, you are in so much bliss, that you forget to eat or drink. You do not have to fast to please God. Do it to purify your body and mind.
Fasting is good. Gives a little holiday to those internal organs, liver, pancreas, and we overwork them. The wear and tear in the body gets repaid by fasting. Your body is elastic, it’s not rock solid. It is elastic, it can adapt. The fasting and all just reminds you that the mind is powerful than the body. Our fasting has an impact on our alertness, and our mind. When you fast, also every cell of your body becomes alive. Fasting is a very good therapy. It can cleanse your system. The jeteragni can cleanse you of all toxins. When your head is clogged with worry, tension and unpleasant thoughts, nightmares, fasting would be a very great help.
