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TO FAST OR NOT?
(SHRI SAI LEELA JULY AUGUST 1991)P. M. SARANGANHYDERABAD, A.P.
Lord Sainath never asked His devotees to pray on an empty stomach. He wasagainst fasting as a person cannot concentrate on God. Still His devoteespractice occasional fasts or even skipping a meal on Thursdays as on austerity towards Sai Maharaj.Mahatma Gandhi was the most prolific faster, abstaining from food for a totalof 14 times in protest of various social injustices. His fasts lasted from 3 to 21days. His opinion on fasting was : '' It doesn't begin and end with meredeprivation of physical food."But this pathway to God is often His-inter-preted. Christians and Muslims fastfor a given period of time in a year. The fast of Sai devotees on every Thursday is normally not so rigorous, only one meal is eliocinated and the rest of theday's supply remains at its normal level.Before considering a fast, you should ask yourself a few questions. What is thepurpose of my fast ? What guidelines Sainalh gave me about fasting ? How long should I attempt the discipline ? What benefits do I expect ?
PURPOSE OF THE FAST
In no instance in 'Shri Sai Satcharita' was a fast undertaken without a purposein mind. But these purposes vary widely.* As an aid to improve devotional life : Radhabai Deshmukh came to Baba forUpadesh, got none and resolved to fast which should end with either death orUpadesh from Baba.
 
(Jesus Christ fasted soon after baptism)* As a help in times of crisis - to get back the stolen money - a fakir advices aGoan devotee to give up what he liked best with the vow that he will not eat it,till he has 'Darshan' of Sai Maharaj.* As a means of showing concern for others - Mrs. Sai Raj visits Shirdi anddesires to fast on 'Holi' day . Baba advices her against fasting and asks her toprepare 'Pooran Poli' in Dada Kelkar's house. Her presence was needed these.* As a way to strength : H.S. Dixit wanted to fast at night, but he gives it up asper Baba's advice.* As an act of penance : Kusha Bhau and others avoid eating onions on'Ekadashi' day. (Holy mother Ananda Mayi asks one of her devotees to fast fora day on account of his misbehaviour towards a brother devotee) Therefore your own goal should be clear. Precisely what is it, you what to accomplish with the fast.
CHECK YOUR MOTIVE
Lord Sainath does not want us to torture our body. He only asks us : "Do youremember Me before eating ? Am I not always with you ? Then do you offerMe anything before you eat?"
LENGTH OF THE FAST
Shri Sai Satcharita standards allow a great latitude. You should decide as tohow long you intend to fast.* H.S. Dixit's idea was to fast on all nights.* Mrs. Sai Raj wanted to fast during her stay in Shirdi.* Uighwar Rao wanted to fast on 'Ekadashi' day only.* N. Radhika fasted for three days.* Ravi Raj avoided only sugar till he had 'Darshan' of Sai Maharaj.
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