What did PM Modi say on fast?
PM Modi also shared his/her perspective on fasting and said, ‘First I feel really pleasant and honored that you kept fast. Your role is also special because I feel that you have fasted in my honor. Therefore, I express my heartfelt gratitude for doing so. In India, our religious traditions are really a way to live life. Our Supreme Court once made a spectacular interpretation of Hinduism. he/she has said that Hinduism is not about rituals or methods of worship, but it is a way to live life. ‘
‘Fasting is a way to develop discipline’
he/she said that there is a deep discussion in Indian scriptures on raising the body, mind, intellect, soul and humanity. The scriptures have some traditions and arrangements to achieve this and fasting is one of them, but fasting is not just everything. In India, whether you see it culturally or philosophically, sometimes I see that fasting is a way to develop discipline. It is a powerful means of bringing both internal and external balance. It shapes life very deeply when you fast. You must have seen, as you said, you have been fast on water for two days. Each of your senses, especially smell, touch and taste, becomes highly sensitive. Your senses become very fast, highly conscious and fully active, and their ability to see and react increases manifold.
‘… but this is just a physical aspect of fasting’
The Prime Minister said, ‘I have personally experienced this often. Another thing I have experienced is that fasting can make the process of thinking greatly, and give a new approach. You start thinking out of the box. I do not know if everyone experiences it or not, but I definitely do it. Most people believe that fasting means just quitting food or eating food, but it is just a physical aspect of fasting. ‘
If someone has to live without eating on an empty stomach due to any problem, can we call him/her a fast? PM Modi said, ‘Fasting is actually a scientific process. Whenever I fast for a long time, I prepared my body in advance. Five to seven days before fasting, I follow various Ayurvedic practice and yoga exercises as well as other traditional methods to reset my system internal. ‘
‘For me, fasting is a form of self-discipline’
The PM said, ‘I really make sure to drink as much water as possible before starting the fast. Therefore, you can say that this process helps to prepare my body in the best possible way. And once I start fasting, it is a work of devotion for me. For me, fasting is a form of self-discipline. For me personally, when I do my daily activities during fasting, my mind continues to introspect deeply and remains inward. This experience is very transformational for me.
‘Fasting is more a science than leaving food only’
PM Modi said that his/her practice of fasting has not come from reading books, listening to sermon or following any tradition, it has come from personal experience. Fasting is more a science than leaving food only. This is much more than that. he/she said, “Then slowly, I refined my body and mind through various experiments. Over time it became a long and disciplined journey for me. Another interesting thing I have seen is that when I need to express my views, I am surprised where they come from. It is really an untrustable experience.”
