Why people Fast for Religion

Depending on the religion you will have either grown up with or had friends who have fasted at different times of the year for various religious occasions.

 Why do we fast for religion occasions?

Fasting occurs with Christians, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, and Taoism, and I'm sure in many more religions around the world.

Most Christians fast for Lent, in Judaism fasting occurs Yom Kippur, Tish B'av, and a few other occasions throughout the year, Islam is re-known for their great fast for Ramadan. The Orthodox also fast before Christmas.

The purpose of fasting is not to suffer, but to purify, and to guard against gluttony and impure thoughts, deeds and words. It is usually coupled with higher frequency in prayer and meditations. 

There is also a sacrificial element to fasting, by fasting you are showing the Creator that you are willing to sacrifice food and drink for higher connection and communication with the Creator.

It also is a way to show that you are willing to sacrifice, to achieve your goals.

Fasting is also a way to self examine your actions and choices, and show repentance where we need to and practice the acts of unconditional love and forgiveness.

So while Fasting has become a health diet for the wellness industry, fasting has much greater and longer roots than to lose weight.

It can also help you to connect more closely with nature around you and the Universe/Creator as a whole.

The next time you fast perhaps also contemplate what else fasting is outside of health and weight loss and you never know you may receive more than you ever knew.