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| A B... |
 Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 12:57 pm |
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Guest
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An interesting article, that. Alt.astrology hasn't had many lately (new
ones, at least).
Ekadasi is said in it to be the eleventh day of the lunar cycle. Is that
counting from the new moon?
A. B. |
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| Spirituality... |
| Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 4:00 pm |
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Guest
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Fasting for Spiritual Elevation
Those who fast liberate much extra energy from the body since little of
their energy is being used for digestion during this time. This energy
should be properly channeled and not wasted. Since the mind is extremely
clear, this is the best time for meditation: the extra energy can be used to
elevate the mind to higher states of consciousness. In India the word for
fasting is upavás which means “remaining near the Supreme Consciousness”;
because for thousands of years yogis have practised fasting not just for the
physical health benefits, but to elevate their minds to higher states of
awareness.
The Greek philosophers – Socrates, Plato, and Pythagoras – fasted before
writing their works of philosophy or taking special examinations, because
they knew that fasting stimulates mental power. The high priests of ancient
Egypt also fasted for long periods of time. When the Greek philosopher and
mathematician Pythagoras went to Egypt to study occult spiritual science, he
had to first undergo a fast of 40 days because the Egyptian masters
explained, “Forty days is necessary in order that you may grasp what we will
teach you.”
In the Bible we read again and again about fasting, for the early Jews and
Christians used to fast not only to heal themselves but also to attain
spiritual powers and a greater “closeness with God”. Moses fasted for 40
days and 40 nights before he went up to Mount Sinai to receive the 10
commandments; Jesus also fasted for 40 days, during which time he overcame
all temptations and prepared himself for the great work and suffering he was
to endure. In the Bible it is written: “When you fast, do not have a sad
face but be clean and cheerful (Matthew 6:16-17)”… “Be honest, be sincere,
fast for honest and truthful purposes (Matthew 6:1 ”… “Then (after the
fast) shall thy light shine forth as the morning, and thy health shall
spring forth speedily (Isaiah 58:”.
The Buddha, too, often fasted to detach his mind from the physical world and
attain higher consciousness, and after his longest fast, for 40 days, he
attained enlightenment.
Now we have seen that in the past, the great saints and sages attained
wisdom and mental powers by long fasting. They well know that fasting – when
pure blood bathes the brain and gives it tremendous energy and strength – is
the best time to devote oneself to higher mental and spiritual effort to
obtain rapid progress.
Adapted from: “Food for Thought” by Acarya Avadhutika Anandamitra, Ananda
Marga Publications, Calcutta, India, 1994 (Third Printing). |
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