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Fasting and Prayer
Religions should teach fasting and prayer to their members. They talk of it. But do they show them how to do it right?
posted by
Experience
on February 13, 2005 at 8:56 AM
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Sannhett
Christian mysticism, especially the type that is "intellectual" (cf. the line that goes from Augustine to Bonaventure and Thomas Aquinas) have connected the subjugation of the flesh to "clear" thoughts, apart from other spiritual benefits.
posted by
Friar__Tuck
on February 12, 2005 at 8:29 PM
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Friar -
I liked the explanation. And like Pappy, I always thought of it as a way to experience our "hunger for the truth."
posted by
sannhet
on February 12, 2005 at 1:20 PM
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Buddhists also seem to think...
that way. By subjugating the body, one acquires a higher consciousness of being, a higher knowledge of oneself.
posted by
Friar__Tuck
on February 12, 2005 at 7:28 AM
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Hello Friar
I think fasting also tunes the body to the hunger that we feel for the truth. We say we want to know, but what are we willing to do to find out? Mental desires come and go without discipline, but physical hunger hangs around all by itself. I guess that is called mortification of the flesh? To train ourselves with food the same way we might train a loved pet is one path we might take.
posted by
pappy
on February 12, 2005 at 2:40 AM
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