For millions of people, fasting is a mandatory practice during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins this year at the beginning of August (the final dates are confirmed by sighting the moon). Ramadan is an annual spiritual event that impressively encompasses the entire Muslim family as one. But it is not only Islam that advocates fasting as a tool for spiritual elevation and atonement for sins.

The vast majority of religious traditions—Christianity, Baha’i, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Jainism, Mormonism, Taoism, and more—advocate a period of abstinence from all types of food and drink, primarily meat, eggs, and dairy. , as well as smoking and the consumption of alcohol and other narcotics.

The purpose of fasting (for religious reasons) is not to suffer, but to protect against gluttony, as well as lying, deceit, outbursts of lust and uncontrolled desires, and impure and indecent thoughts, words and acts. Fasting also encourages humility in a way as one begins to endure what many have to endure on a daily basis. And furthermore, some religions encourage money saved from fasting to be donated in some form of charity because reaching out in love to others is an integral part of true fasting.

The physical benefits of a fasting period are believed to be many: primarily it is said to detoxify the body and improve overall health. However, a deeper and more significant aspect is the spiritual achievements.

There are fasts of different types. In Buddhism, monks and nuns who follow the Vinaya rules normally do not eat every day after the midday meal. This is not considered a fast but rather a disciplined regimen that aids in meditation and good health. The same can be applied to the mind. Creating a daily regimen of fasting from excessive and negative thoughts would certainly enhance your meditation experience.

For a Muslim, fasting is both an obligation and an act of love for Allah, through which he obtains taqwaa, cleansing and purification of the heart and soul. It engenders self-control and discipline, and a sense of unity. Certainly, the pursuit of fasting is more than just abstinence, it is recognized as a path to a higher consciousness.

The Bible reserves one whole day a year for fasting: the Day of Atonement. “Everyone must go without food from the night of the ninth to the night of the tenth in the seventh month which is the Day of Atonement.” Moses fasted for forty days and nights, twice in a row, without food or water; the first, immediately before receiving the tables on the mountain with God. And the second, after descending, seeing the Israelites practicing idolatry, and breaking the tablets in anger.

For all Catholics, fasting is an important spiritual discipline, found in both the Old and New Testaments. Highlights the synergy between body and soul. Orthodox Christians do not see a dichotomy between the soul and the body, but consider them as a united whole and believe that what happens to one affects the other – the psychosomatic union. Saint Gregory Palamas argued that the body of man is not an enemy but a partner and collaborator of the soul.

Fasting is a very integral part of the Hindu religion. One can fast for almost any reason; a birth, a death, to find a good husband, for prosperity, to honor a particular deity, to celebrate the full moon and fasting during religious holidays is also very common. Interestingly, Hindus also fast for a full month during Shraavan mas, the Hindu holy month.

It is no coincidence that fasting is not just for a few minutes or hours, but in most cases lasts for weeks or even a month or more. Perhaps when the Lord gave us this arduous task, he knew it would take time to realize, appreciate, and sustain the changes at a deep level.

During any fast, in any religion, it is important to pay attention to the intention. The intention behind any act must be positive, as the intention is just as important as the act. Checking the intention involves checking the heart. Is my heart pure and clean enough to be filled with the presence of the Divine? When I am generous and kind, is there a subtle expectation of return, of recognition, that dilutes this good deed, this seed?

We travel through a time of great turmoil and the eruptions of vices are becoming uncontrollable causing chaos and mayhem within, and bomb explosions without! This is that crucial period, that Ramadan, or Lent, or Shraavan mas where humanity needs to fast from vices and add a few drops of peace and calm to the whole world stage. The only way to medicate vices is not to give them power by not putting them into practice.

While we fast, these quiet moments of peace and harmony allow us to reflect on the overall quality of our lives: Am I really living out my purpose and meaning? It is an auspicious and appropriate time to check my compass and confirm my own direction. But more importantly, it is a time to celebrate the journey and our family, those with whom we are walking the path of life. Without ‘fasting’, we would not really be able to strengthen our mind and body or take a breath to appreciate all the goodness that surrounds us.

Fasting is not a penance, but a tried and tested way to teach us that nothing in life is easy, but with effort and sacrifice we can become masters of ourselves.

It’s time… to get away from the palate and give the organs a little rest. Take the time you save cooking and cleaning to reflect on your inner compass in life: are you on the right track? Check the intentions behind your actions: are they clean and generous? And when it’s time to “break the fast,” do so mindfully to fuel your mind and body by resuming a diet of positive, peaceful, and beneficial thoughts, words, and actions.