Tag: Spiritual practice

According to ancient Hindu scriptures like the Padma Purana, a personification of sin (Papapurusha) takes refuge in grains and pulses on the day of Ekadashi. This is the primary mythological reason why devotees strictly avoid these food groups during the fast.

According to ancient Church tradition dating back to the first century A.D., fasting on Fridays was a common practice among early Christians to honor the day of Jesus Christ's crucifixion. Today, fasting on Fridays is observed in various forms across different faiths, each with its unique rituals, rules, and intentions.

While millions of people worldwide use garlic and onion daily for their flavor, ancient traditions and modern health concerns mean that a significant number of people don't eat garlic and onion for deeply personal or cultural reasons. This practice is rooted in diverse beliefs, spanning religious doctrines to personal wellness.

According to Hindu tradition, the month of Sawan is a sacred period for fasting, but many devotees are unsure about specific dietary rules, especially concerning salt. This uncertainty often surrounds whether regular table salt is permitted or if an alternative, such as sendha namak, should be used during the Sawan fast. The answer lies in understanding the spiritual and traditional significance behind the type of food consumed during the vrat.

A popular Sanskrit saying states that a 'yogi' (spiritual practitioner) eats one meal a day, a 'bogi' (materialist) eats two, and a 'rogi' (sick person) eats three. However, the reality behind this maxim is more nuanced and complex than a rigid schedule, raising the common question: do yogis eat one meal a day?

According to a Pew Research Center survey, 44% of Hindus consider themselves vegetarian, a number significantly higher than the global average. While not universal, this widespread practice of why many Hindus refrain from eating meat is rooted in deeply spiritual, ethical, and cultural beliefs that have been refined over centuries.

Approximately 67% of Jains in India abstain from root vegetables, including potatoes, as part of their dietary practices. This tradition, which also excludes onions, garlic, and other underground vegetables, is a direct application of the ancient Jain principle of *ahimsa*, or non-violence. The seemingly simple rule to not eat potatoes is rooted in profound spiritual and ethical considerations concerning the minimization of harm to all living beings, including microorganisms.

According to ancient traditions and modern science, fasting is more than just dietary restriction; it is a holistic practice that can purify the mind, body, and soul. For many, the focus on simply not eating can overshadow the deeper purpose. Understanding what to observe during fasting is crucial for a transformative experience.

According to the ancient science of Ayurveda, foods are categorized by their energetic qualities, or 'gunas,' which influence the body, mind, and spirit. It is this deep-rooted philosophy that explains why no onion and garlic in Ayurveda is a practice followed by those seeking a path of spiritual clarity and balance.

Unlike purely diet-focused methods, the 6 to 3 fasting schedule is most commonly practiced as a form of spiritual discipline, where participants abstain from solid food for a set period during daylight hours. This partial fast is often observed from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m., focusing on spiritual growth and introspection rather than metabolic weight loss alone.