I am in the process of learning how to hone my psychic energies, and powers of divination.

I am wondering if anyone has thoughts about whether fasting is a good idea, and why or why not?  

I have read a little on both schools of thought, but have not found the answer I am seeking.

Lady Kate

Hi,

I have attempted to fast severly for a day in a week without even sipping a drop of water. I managed to fast for about a year this way. After a period of time the very thought of fasting became dreadful and the act of fasting also was not as meaningful as it was initially. The mind got fixated more on the act of fasting and starvation rather than focus on the spiritual, for which the fast was intended . Shiridi Baba, my guru says that there is no need to fast. However i know many friends who fast on Ekkadashi days i.e once evry month. It is also said fasting helps to clean up and tone the digestive system.

I am interested in knowing how others view this subject and am looking forward to the posts on the subject.

Many a diabetic has found their abilities opening without fasting - it would not sit well with their health.  It has also been found to not hold any powers of concentration to have fasted.

The body, mind, spirit in balance is the best way to approach any activity.  Opening the spirit is best done between meals - you do not want to be digesting food as this will distract from the mental activities needed.  When hungry the stomach is inclined to make noises and be distracting.  And remember if we cannot dismiss our attention from the body, how can we open the spirit?

I personally have only fasted twice in my life, and neither time was I old enough to understand the reasons behind it... I feel like this is something that would be a personal thing... if you feel like you need to then try it... but if you have doubts then perhaps it is not for you... I have not fasted since I was like 10ish and I am still discovering new things that I am able to do with out it... I also know someone who fasts and learns things while doing so... again I think it is a personal experince and not something that we can say will work or won't... it depends on the person doing the fasting and the reasons why.... faith is a big part of it....