Question
How can fasting in both Hinduism and Buddhism help while meditating?
Answer
Amber? the idea of fasting in the religions you mention is mostly about gaining control over natural desires, or at least, about distancing oneself from them to gain another perspective. To generalize somewhat, the aim of meditation in these religions is to pacify and quiet the mind/body so that inner realization can take place. Hindu yogis often talk about fasting as a means toward spiritual purification. In advanced mystics, this can facilitate visionary and unusual mystical experiences. For instance, a Hindu yogi might believe that they see their past lives, spirits of the dead, or the condition of other living souls at a distance while fasting. And they might experience what they believe to be divine realms of consciousness.
While legend has it that the Buddha did fast along his path, he ultimately came to the realization that the ?middle way? was best. This means that extremes such as not eating for days on end are not necessarily best. What became important for the Buddha was not so much renunciation from activity itself, but renunciation from attachment to whatever activities he may have performed. This means that one can do things (like eat) as part of one's spiritual path, providing one is detached from the eating and an eating complex isn't dominating one's thoughts 24/7. That means eat when your inner guide feels it's right to. And don't eat when your inner guide feels it's not right to. Again, detachment from desire but not necessarily cessation of activity became his approach.
For most of us fasting isn't always a good idea. Although it can be purifying on a physiological level, it's best to fast under the guidance of a trained health professional. Some people just feel weak when they fast. Some become anemic and ill. On the plus side, others find that they become sort of ?naturally high? and realize just how attached they have been to eating.
If you'd like to fast while meditating, I strongly suggest talking about it with your family doctor first. Get him or her to recommend a healthy and safe fast (these usually involve the ingestion of some kind of berry drink while fasting).
Good luck!
