Why the Hindus fast?
Fasting is prescribed on all Ekadashis, that is, the 11th day of the lunar fortnight, twice a month. Hindus believe that in this Kali Yuga, even if just one Ekadashi is observed with passion, faith and devotion, and if the mind is wholly fixed on Hari, one is freed from the rounds of birth and death. There is no doubt about this. The scriptures give us their assurance on this point.
Why the Muslims fast?
The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while obeying God’s commandments. We also want to feel how the poor must feel and then we donate to charity to help the starving of the world.
Why the Sikhs don’t fast?
Sikhi promotes a healthy diet. The only time Sikhs fast is if it is needed for any medical reason (before operation, blood test etc). But in Sikhi fasting for spiritual reasons is rejected. Fasting for is seen as depriving the body of food which can also be seen as a form of self torture. A Sikh is to eat little- enough to nourish ones body. A Sikh doesn’t need to shoot him/her self in leg and put them self in a wheelchair just to understand how the disabled feel. In the same way a Sikh understands and has compassion for the starving people of the world. Infact every Sikh temple has a community kitchen were the needy can come and eat.
Gurmat View:
The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while obeying God’s commandments. We also want to feel how the poor must feel and then we donate to charity to help the starving of the world.
Why the Sikhs don’t fast?
Sikhi promotes a healthy diet. The only time Sikhs fast is if it is needed for any medical reason (before operation, blood test etc). But in Sikhi fasting for spiritual reasons is rejected. Fasting for is seen as depriving the body of food which can also be seen as a form of self torture. A Sikh is to eat little- enough to nourish ones body. A Sikh doesn’t need to shoot him/her self in leg and put them self in a wheelchair just to understand how the disabled feel. In the same way a Sikh understands and has compassion for the starving people of the world. Infact every Sikh temple has a community kitchen were the needy can come and eat.
Gurmat View:
The Name of the Lord, Har, Har, is my meditation, austerity, fasting and daily religious practice. Meditating on the Lord, Har, Har, I have found total joy and bliss. ANG 715 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
The mind is not softened by fasting or austerities. Nothing else is equal to worship of the Lord's Name. ANG 905 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
I have stopped fasting on the eleventh day of each month; why should I bother to go on pilgrimages to sacred shrines? Prays Naam Dayv, I have become a man of good deeds and good thoughts. Chanting the Lord's Name, under Guru's Instructions, who has not gone to heaven? ANG 718 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Those who have truth as their fast, contentment as their sacred shrine of pilgrimage, spiritual wisdom and meditation as their cleansing bath, kindness as their deity, and forgiveness as their chanting beads - they are the most excellent people. ANG 1245 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
If you are Sikh and some how feel you need to fast for Spiritual reasons, Stop messing about!
The mind is not softened by fasting or austerities. Nothing else is equal to worship of the Lord's Name. ANG 905 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
I have stopped fasting on the eleventh day of each month; why should I bother to go on pilgrimages to sacred shrines? Prays Naam Dayv, I have become a man of good deeds and good thoughts. Chanting the Lord's Name, under Guru's Instructions, who has not gone to heaven? ANG 718 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Those who have truth as their fast, contentment as their sacred shrine of pilgrimage, spiritual wisdom and meditation as their cleansing bath, kindness as their deity, and forgiveness as their chanting beads - they are the most excellent people. ANG 1245 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
If you are Sikh and some how feel you need to fast for Spiritual reasons, Stop messing about!
