Why should we fast (Upavaasa)?

Devout Hindus generally fast regularly
or on special occasions like ekadashi.
Fasting in is called upavaasa. The Sanskrit
word can be split up as- Upa means “near” +
vaasa means “to stay”. Upavaasa therefore
means staying near (the Lord), i.e., to be
connected with God mentally. One may ask
as to why at all should someone fast to be in
God-consciousness, or fast only on the
Ekadashi or such days. One must understand
that Man is not an unconnected being. The
planetary influence on man’s mind, body &
soul is profound.
There are six chakras in everyone’s
spiritual body. The mind travels through the
chakras in the body. This mind is influenced
by the moon. This aspect is espoused in the
vedic mantra “chandramaa manasO jaataha”
in Purusha sookta -. On the dark and bright
fortnight’s ekadashi tithi, the mind finds itself
stationed in Ajnya (brow) and Anahata chakra
(heart) which are under the influence of
moon’s movement. These are the two Chakras
wherein mind is comfortably stationed, these
being the abode of chandra. So on these days,
the mind can remain focused effortlessly.
Fasting decreases the natural metabolism of
the body. The energy of the whole system
gets distributed uniformly throughout the
body, allowing the body to co-operate fully
with the active mind to concentrate on spiritual endeavours. Thus, Ekadashi is
considered to be highly efficient and
favourable day for dedicating one’s energy to
spiritual activities. Fasting shouldn’t render
oneself weak or create an urge to indulge
later. This happens when fasting is not
inspired by a higher goal.
The Bhagavad-Gita dictates a true
aspirant to eat appropriately - neither
insufficient nor in excess - yukta-ahara and to
eat simple, pure and healthy food (a saatvik
diet) even when not fasting.
Hence fasting confers long life, fame,
progeny, good health, wealth, beauty and
salvation.