“Fasting is very conducive to meditation if it suits you.”

*“Fasting is very conducive to meditation if it suits you.”*

Question:  “How to deal with very unrestrained defilements?”

Than Ajahn:  “You have to fight them. You have to torture them. You have to fast. That's why the Buddha fasted for 49 days in order to rein them in. Fasting really helps weaken the defilements (kilesas)— all three types of craving will be very much subdued, unlike when you eat. The defilements usually act up when you're full. You won't want to do your walking meditation because you'd like to nap first.

There are different types of fasting: it depends on you and your surrounding. If you're alone in the woods, there will likely be only water. But if you're at a monastery, there will be some drinks in the afternoon. So it depends on how regimented you are with it.

To fast means to not consume food, to not go on alms round. But if another monk happens to drop off some food for you, such as milk, you can have it if you like. You can have honey and other juices in the afternoon if you like. It depends on your level of regimen.

Fasting makes it easier to meditate; it helps with walking meditation and cures any sleepiness while sitting. There will be more effort and determination and less laziness. You'll be more alert to any danger and mindful because you're constantly watching your own mind. Your mind will keep thinking about food while fasting so you need to keep it focussed on 'Buddho' if you have yet learnt to contemplate.

If you know how to contemplate, you can think about food and the bodily waste. Thinking about the food that's in your mouth and stomach will help curb your craving. You won't be able to fast if you have no mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom— sati, samādhi, and paññā—because you'll keep thinking about and seeing all the food. If you can rein back your mind with mindfulness, then you'll be able to get into practice.

If you don't recite 'Buddho', you'll need to contemplate food and the bodily waste. You will be able to deal with your craving once you know how to contemplate such matters. You'll only consume according to your body's need. You'll use fasting as a means for meditation practice. You won't eat like you normally do because doing so will only give you that feeling of torpor.

You'll see the difference. If you're in a monastery, fasting will allow you to be alone, not having to do chores with the community, such as going on alms round and cleaning at the dining hall. All these chores can take up three to four hours easily, during which you can do your sitting and walking meditation and be alone instead.

Fasting is very conducive to meditation if it suits you. It can be your go-to resource until you no longer need to rely on it. If it doesn't suit you, it will stress you out and make your mind unruly. You'll be obsessed with thinking about food all the time and not meditate. If you don't meditate while fasting, you'll end up thinking about food, thus feeling hungry and insufferable.

You have to keep meditating. As soon as you come out of your absorption, carry on with walking meditation to control your mind from thinking about food. You can also recite 'Buddho' or focus your mind on walking. You may contemplate: the virtue of Dhamma; the four elements— earth, water, wind, and fire; the cycle of birth, ageing, illnesses, and death; the three marks of existence—impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and non-self; and food and bodily waste. You may alternate them as you see fit.”

“Essential Teachings”

By Ajahn Suchart Abhijāto
www.phrasuchart.com

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