Importance of fasting or under-eating for spiritual progress (English Dadavani March-2009)

In our scriptures and purana—a group of 18 important Hindu texts, special importance is given to fasting for its spiritual and health benefits. Such penances done with the intent of spiritual progress or for the attainment of the Self are definitely fruitful however one cannot experience the Self. However one can attain the Self if he attains the knowledge of the Self—Self-realization.In Ayurveda the importance of fasting and restricted food intake is not less, but it should be done with right understanding. By fasting the waste of the body burns, body remains healthy, awareness increases and this awareness is helpful in practicing celibacy and one can practice religious rituals in a better way. That is why it is said that ‘one should fast according to Gnani’s instruction for spiritual progress and for physical health one should fast according to doctor’s instruction then that penance done through fasting can be helpful to yield desired fruit.