FASTING
During the Baha'i month of Loftiness beginning sunrise March 2nd, the Baha'is over 15 years of age fast from sunrise to sunset for nineteen days. Exempted from the Fast are children under 15, those who are ill, over 70, travelling, pregnant or nursing women, women in their courses or those doing heavy labour. The Fast ends at sunset March 20, Naw-Ruz (Baha'i New Year).
Abdu'l-Baha tells us that "prayer and fasting is the cause of awakening and mindfulness and conducive to protection and preservation from tests." (Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, pp 69-70)
Prayer and fasting "act as stimulants to the soul, strengthen, revive, and purify it, and thus insure its steady development." (Shoghi Effendi, Principles of Baha'i Administration, p.8)
The Guardian, Shoghi Effendi writes, "it (the fasting period) is essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation, during which the believer must strive to make necessary readjustments to his inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate the spiritual forces latent in his soul. Its significance and purpose are, therefore, fundamentally spiritual in character. Fasting is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires." (Shoghi Effendi, Principles of Baha'i Adminstration, p. 9)
THE FAST
Written by Stephen Newbegin and published in the June 1975 issue of the California Regional Newsletter
O My loving companions on the Path Think ye that the fast is a burden? Even should you waste into nothingness, This would be a joy beyond compare. For those that enjoy this mystic meal, The True Fast begins at sunset. If it be that thy stomach groans And thy tongue is a desert, Eat and drink thoughts of thy Beloved Whose sweet fresh water cleanses And heavenly food strengthens. And as thy body empties itself, so too Empty the cup of the heart of self and passion. And in thy growing weakness Feel thy humility before God and thy fellows. And as the dreary hours pass along, Think of what store of patience Ye may gather for the coming year. And as thy body begins to lighten, Let thy soul float like a kite In the breezes of the spirit Though still attached to the form Which is fulfilling its daily duties. And when you desire something, Think of the One Desired, Who has created all of what thou hast ever desired. And as your hunger grows, Think of those less fortunate souls Who cannot replenish their flesh During the sleeping of the sun. And when you break bread, Think of thy fellow Baha'is all around the world In unity with your actions.____________________________


SPIRITUAL HEALTH HABITS____________________________

Here are some essential elements for our spiritual and physical health fro
m an eminent physician.

1) Trust in God
2) Consult a skilled physician and follow his instructions
3) Practice detachment from all save God
4) Practice moderation
5) Pray and meditate daily; read the Creative Word morning and evening
6) Be happy always
7) Simplify
8) Focus
9) Practice patience
10) Eat simple, natural plant foods
11) Drink adequate pure water
12) Evaluate progress daily, summarize weekly