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Fasting is not an invention of modern times. It has been part of the religions and cultures of all continents for thousands of years. In its origin, fasting generally serves metaphysical needs: cleaning of the soul, penance, purification, mental clarity or redemption are at the centre of cultic or religious fasting. In this case people abstain fully or partly from food and stimulants.
The word "fasting" originates from the Gothic word "fastan", which means hold (onto),
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observe or guard. Fasting is characterised by voluntary abstinence, the opposite of starvation.
The roots: religious fasting
Fasting is usually an important part of religious practice. Many rules of nutrition which specify that believers abstain from eating for a limited time can be found in different societies.In Hinduism, abstinence from food is required in addition to eating the right, pure dishes.
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In Indian Jainism, which was founded in the 6th century B.C., the soul should be redeemed through fasting and meditation.
Fasting also plays a large role in Buddhism. The religious founder Siddhartha uses founding as a path to enlightenment and thus becomes Buddha (the Enlightened One). Unlike Jainism, Buddhism practises a balanced path between pleasure and asceticism. In Japan, fasting in Shintoism serves inner purification during the preparation of cultic actions.
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