SPN Admin:
Thank you for your thoughtful post, just for clarification I wasn't specifically looking into the turban days but more so the idea behind it.
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I do agree with this statement, but when I take it into the context of fasting like we have been discussing. Some people may simply fast as to be included into a cultural group, and to have that acceptance of community. So, in this sense the fasting which may be seen is as a cultural tool, will become more of an egoic idea to be attached to the group.
I think the whole thing of fasting boils down too necessity, in terms of is it something that is necessary to aid in spiritual enlightenment? Does it help us reduce our ego? The truth is, there are many different paths which can facilitate someone to grow religiously or spiritually. We can look at vegetarianism as fast, in the sense that you are consciously choosing not to eat something.
There are Buddhist traditions which focus on diet and how it facilitates connections to either our body or our spiritual self. Some, Buddhists believe that vegetarian diets allows one to be lighter and facilitates growth on the spiritual side, while as adding meat to your died aids the body and maintains a more of a world connection with those around us. There are monks, who subsist only on what is given to them in their begging bowl.
Whatever one partakes in, if you can be clear with your intention as to why your choosing to do it then it can be very beneficial.
Tejwant Singh Ji:
I will find my way over to the thread that you suggested, and I will try to articulate myself better if my writing has lead to any confusion. But, I can assure you that at this moment that is my intention in using the word 'God' in posts. I can see how in writing it might not be conveyed in such a manner... but I think its the context in which I am expressing it. I will be more mindful, in the future thanks.
