In Jainism, fasting as long as one's capability is encouraged as a penance during the holy period of Chaturmas (four months of monsoon season). During this period comes the holiest festival of Jainism called Paryushan. Ths is celebrated for 8 days in Shwetamber sect and for 10 days in Digamber sect of Jainism.
During this holy festival, the number of people who observe fasting goes at peak. Many people do alternate day fasting while several observe 1, 2 or 3 days of continuous fast. Some keep a fast for all 8 or 10 days. During this time only water consumption is permitted during Sunlight hours. The last day of this fest is celebrated as Samvatsari or Forgiveness Day. On this day, even small children observe a whole day fast. So in most families, kitchen is on a long holiday 馃槉
On Samvatsari, everyone asks for forgiveness from all beings of 8.4 million species in this Universe for any of their mistakes done unto them by their thoughts, words or actions either knowingly or unknowingly; and everyone pardons everyone from the purest of their heart after purifying their soul through penance.
My father too observed a 4 day fast for the first 4 days of Paryushan fest but decided to break it on the fifth day. He don't fast normally and it was the first time he had done a 4 day fast in his life though he had observed 3 days fast previously. In 4 days he lost about 10% of his body weight and later fell sick. Now he is recovering from fever, weakness and diarrhoea.
My maternal uncle and aunt are visiting him today to ask about his well being and to exchange the "forgiveness" formalities. So I checked their weight too. My aunt had observed 5 day fast but she has recovered all her weight. Her husband, who observed a 9 day fast has almost recovered. I checked and found that he is still 3 kg short of his original weight. To this, he argued that because he is on a fast today too (as it's Samvatsari day). And he hasn't yet resumed the normal diet. But I hope, he will recover soon too. He observes long fasts regularly. My aunt too accompany him with fasting but this time she broke the fast after 5 days as they have some travel plans and needs to recharge soon.
One of my uncles used to observe 30-40 days fast without much problem. I too had observed a 8 day fast during my childhood. Before that, I used to wonder how can one survive such a long fasting. But it felt easier when done.
Once we see that fasting is normal and anyone can do it, others take inspiration and do it too. E.g. when my maternal aunt saw my father observing 4 day fast, she too observed a 5 day fast this time. Earlier, she had only done 3 day fasts successfully. Tomorrow, she will break her fast. So my mother is asking me to take to her residence early in the morning to do some preparation to let her break her fast easily. But I guess, she will already do it on her own by the time we reach there 馃槉
Once our habitual hunger cycle is broken in 2-3 days time, we don't feel any hunger any more. Today morning, when I was at my regular anti-dairy outreach at a Jain gathering, I came to know that there were over 150 people who were on an 8 day fast today. But to the people, who haven't heard of long fasts, it looks like a miracle. Fortunately, fasting is so ubiquitous in my society.
What's your take on long fasting? Does it sound normal to you?
