By Lasara Firefox AllenSome might say that mysticism has no ceremonies or rituals. However, it can be looked at another way; it could be said that all rituals and ceremonies can be met in the heart of a mystic. Religion is a housing for the heart of what prayer and practice offer. As a mystic, you may enter through the many doors, and into the same room.
Ritual fasting is a practice common in many religions, chronicled back to ancient times. From Buddha seeking enlightenment, to Jesus seeking clarity, the use offasting as a tool for spiritual growth is engrained in our religious teachings.
Most religions still have a place for fasting. Indian ascetics make fasting a focal point of their spiritual obligations or practices. Some Buddhist traditions include fasting for full or partial days as a way to heighten attention during meditation. Different New Age practices make use of fasting as a tool that can be used to “tune in” to the higher self, or Divine Force.
One of the most impressive acts of current collective spiritual fasting is the Muslim month of Ramadan. Considered the holiest time of the Islamic year, during Ramadan most observant Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. The intention is that during the fast all that passes through the lips is prayer.
Like Ramadan, the observation of Lent is an opportunity to become conscious of what is passing through your lips. It’s also a time to remember the sacrifice made by Christ. While Lent is not a full fast, Catholics are prohibited from eating red meat on Fridays during the observation. But many Christians, regardless of sect (Protestant, Catholic, or any of the derivations of either), will also give up another thing that is dear to them, whether it’s an item of food or an activity. This will offer a more constant reminder of the concept of sacrifice.
Sacrifice is an interesting word. It shares a root with sacred. Though sacrifice has most commonly come to mean to offer something up for the greater good, it may also refer to enacting sacred duties.
There are many ways to interpret or enact this intention. To give something up for the greater good may mean to practice abstaining from an act that is injurious to yourself or others. As a sacred duty, you may make the commitment to give up gossiping, speaking ill of others, complaining, or even driving your car if you want to take it to a global level.
On the other hand, you may choose to make a commitment to helping the less fortunate in your community. Or you may dedicate yourself to praying or meditating more often than you usually do.
As a mystic, all of these things can be seen through the view of sacrifice; giving something up for the greater good, or performing sacred duties in another way.
Ritual fasting is a practice common in many religions, chronicled back to ancient times. From Buddha seeking enlightenment, to Jesus seeking clarity, the use offasting as a tool for spiritual growth is engrained in our religious teachings.
Most religions still have a place for fasting. Indian ascetics make fasting a focal point of their spiritual obligations or practices. Some Buddhist traditions include fasting for full or partial days as a way to heighten attention during meditation. Different New Age practices make use of fasting as a tool that can be used to “tune in” to the higher self, or Divine Force.
One of the most impressive acts of current collective spiritual fasting is the Muslim month of Ramadan. Considered the holiest time of the Islamic year, during Ramadan most observant Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. The intention is that during the fast all that passes through the lips is prayer.
Like Ramadan, the observation of Lent is an opportunity to become conscious of what is passing through your lips. It’s also a time to remember the sacrifice made by Christ. While Lent is not a full fast, Catholics are prohibited from eating red meat on Fridays during the observation. But many Christians, regardless of sect (Protestant, Catholic, or any of the derivations of either), will also give up another thing that is dear to them, whether it’s an item of food or an activity. This will offer a more constant reminder of the concept of sacrifice.
Sacrifice is an interesting word. It shares a root with sacred. Though sacrifice has most commonly come to mean to offer something up for the greater good, it may also refer to enacting sacred duties.
There are many ways to interpret or enact this intention. To give something up for the greater good may mean to practice abstaining from an act that is injurious to yourself or others. As a sacred duty, you may make the commitment to give up gossiping, speaking ill of others, complaining, or even driving your car if you want to take it to a global level.
On the other hand, you may choose to make a commitment to helping the less fortunate in your community. Or you may dedicate yourself to praying or meditating more often than you usually do.
As a mystic, all of these things can be seen through the view of sacrifice; giving something up for the greater good, or performing sacred duties in another way.
No comments:
Post a Comment