How to fast according to Buddhism

Fast on these 4 days every month

There are different types of fasting in different cultures, religions, sects, etc. But have you heard about fasting in Buddhism. Lord Gautam Buddha advised us to fast 4 days in a month and also what we should or not do on these days. The fast is called Uposatha.

Which are those 4 days?

1. Krushnastami Uposatha 
2. Charturdashi Uposatha (1 day before Amavasya)
3. Shukla Astami  Uposatha 
4. Poornima Uposatha

Note: You can check in the calendar when are these 4 days.

Importance of Krushnastami

During Krushnastami your deeds are being taken into consideration, accordingly you get the fruits of your actions. Good actions good fruit; bad action bad fruits.

People mostly break Panchsheel in the dark. Panchasheel is broken when you rob, intoxicate, kill someone, etc.

What is Panchsheel or 5 Precepts? 

• Abstain from killing.
• Not to indulge in violence Abstain from theft.
• Not to steal Abstain from sexual misconduct: To show Fidelity. 
• Abstain from falsehood. Not to speak the untruth Abstain from intoxication.
• Not to indulge in substance abuse.

Panchsheel of Buddha is comprised of the basic teachings of conduct for the followers to not indulge in the misconduct and misbehavior that may harm the society at large.

How to fast?

Start your day by waking up early in the morning.

Wear white clothes but it is not mandatory.
Sit in front of Bhikkhu or Buddha statue and the take the following vows.

1. Do not steal via physically, mentally or verbally.
2. Do not kill or harm anyone physically, mentally or verbally.
3. Do not speak ill of anyone/ Do not lie
4. Do not intoxicate yourself with alcohol or tobacco or any such substance
5. Do not involve in singing and dancing.
6. Do not involve in any kind entertainment as the thoughts are stimulated.
7. Do not wear any malas, gandh or facial makeup 
8. Follow Brahmacharya
9. Will Sleep on the floor and not on the high bed as it can bring in pride & ego.
   

During this fasting period do not eat untimely. Eat your breakfast at 7-8am, lunch between 11.30-12pm and there is for dinner which is after 5pm you can have liquid diet or fruits that fit your palm; in short something that doesn't fill your stomach to the whole.

You get immense joy when you follow the above Astasheel or 8 Precepts.

Gautam Buddha was a witness to Astasheel, he believed whoever follows the Astasheel will get what he wishes. Even a person who is sick or is in comma will be cured by the person's hand who follows Astasheel.

Fast on these days and follow Uposatha to get rid of all the sufferings in your life.