Anyone here ever fasted for spiritual guidance?

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

What were your experiences?

[Bertha Venation]

1. my experience:

Failure, resulting in abject grief and a crisis in faith. It was a very long time ago.

No one in any religion should ever tell a girl with an eating disorder (like compulsive overeating) that she will fail her Lord if she can't fast. There's something wrong with a sect when it denies medical & psychological problems.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

2. Wow - you're right - that's effed up!

I'm sorry to hear about that :(

[Bertha Venation]

5. I've recovered.

No worries. :)

I'm sorry I can't tell you of a better example.

Here's an example: Gandhi changed the world by fasting . . . .

[Archae]

3. I fasted once.

But not for spiritual reasons, it was because I was broke. :-)

Fasted for an entire day.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

4. Hell I've done that - I'm talking more of a meditative spiritual thing

When you're broke even vienna sausages sound good! :)

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

6. When you are on a spiritual high

you don't feel like eating. It's like someone you vaguely remember to do. What's more important, imho, is to eat after the experience to ground yourself! (Just back from a wonderful two day retreat/workshop with my guide and my shayhka-alhumdulilah!)

My husband has done Vision Quest, where he did a complete fast for four days and nights. He had visions and spent the time praying. As his supporter, I had to ceremonially eat and drink for him. He says he knew when I was doing that, and that he could taste the food. At the end of the fast, the spiritual advisor (he hates the word 'shaman') interpreted his visions, and the humblecha ended with a ceremonial giveaway, as is customary in the Lakota tradition.

I have done a fast of one day for Ramadan (no, I'm not a good Muslim!), spending the time reading the Qur'an. I've also spent time in silence and in doing a spiritual practice called zikar. I have gained spiritual insight in doing all these things.


I would recommend that if you are looking for spiritual guidance you find a form that feels right to you, be it fasting, a silent retreat, or a ceremony such as Vision Quest. What is of vital importance, imho, is that you have some sort of guide to help you along the way. The guide will offer protection and can help you find the answers you seek, which are, of course, within yourself.

Good luck on your spiritual journey.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

7. I am a Catholic deeply involved in the mysticism therein

I have been reading writings of John of the Cross, Theresa of Avila, the desert fathers and other mystics.I find no incompatability between any spiritual prayer fasting. In fact it is all one. I see no difference between the fasts of Hindus, Buddhists, Native Peoples, Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc.

Thank you for your input - I knew if I asked an answer would come. Please keep me in your thoughts, even though you don't know me.

:)

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

9. Ya Haqq

The Truth is One. There is no difference. You are in my heart,ChavezSpeakstheTruth, as well as my thoughts.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

10. Thank you

as you are with me

[LDS Jock]

8. Many times but not lately

I spent years trying to overcome my homosexuality through prayer and fasting. The longest I ever went was ten days. I did feel a closeness to God during that fast and others but in the end I am still gay. I do feel like I grew closer to God though, for whatever that is worth. During fasting, its seems all your senses are more intense.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

11. Thank you for your input

Thank you