Fasting as a Path to Inner Renewal
Observing the fast in a spiritual and religious context holds deep meaning that goes far beyond simple food restrictions. In fact, fasting is seen as a means of inner purification and self-discipline, aimed at humbling the flesh, overcoming sensual cravings, and preparing the soul for true spiritual growth. This forms the basis for an ascetic practice, through which a person learns to control passions, renounce impure thoughts and actions, and devote themselves to penitential prayer and the pursuit of inner purity.As noted in one source, “The significance of fasting lies in its humbling of our flesh, helping us overcome sensual desires, easing our soul, and enabling it to concentrate and uplift itself through prayer and godliness. This is the ascetic significance of fasting. But fasting also has a symbolic meaning: it serves as an expression of sorrow. Here, sorrow has a dual direction: on one hand, it is sorrow for the suffering of the Savior, and on the other, sorrow for sin” (source: link txt).Another source emphasizes that the true meaning of fasting is not merely in the external observance of prescribed rules, but in making abstention from food an expression of inner work on oneself: “Fasting has, above all, a spiritual meaning and is organically connected to the entire spiritual life. True fasting is primarily fasting from impure thoughts and deeds; without this, the bodily fast will not be accepted by the Lord” (source: link txt).It is also important to note that fasting is considered not so much an obligatory ritual as an opportunity for the soul to reassess its priorities, cleanse itself of vain pursuits, and draw closer to the ideals of spiritual life. In this context, the focus is on the internal dimension of fasting rather than on mechanical adherence to dietary restrictions: “Fasting is also not the observance of church rules and the rhythms of the popular calendar. The main point of fasting is not the limits on food, but their spiritual significance” (source: link txt).Thus, observing fasts in spiritual traditions serves as a crucial element of spiritual growth. It helps the believer subdue the flesh, renounce excesses, focus on inner renewal, express sorrow over the suffering of the Savior and one’s own sins, and follow ancient spiritual traditions aimed at achieving inner harmony and purity.Supporting citation(s):“The significance of fasting lies in its humbling of our flesh, helping us overcome sensual desires, easing our soul, and enabling it to concentrate and uplift itself through prayer and godliness. This is the ascetic significance of fasting. But fasting also has a symbolic meaning: it serves as an expression of sorrow. Here, sorrow has a dual direction: on one hand, it is sorrow for the suffering Savior, and on the other, it is sorrow for sin. In this sense, the Savior expressed: when the bridegroom departs (from the wedding guests), then they will fast (Matt. 9:15)” (source: link txt)“Fasting has, above all, a spiritual meaning and is organically connected to the entire spiritual life. True fasting is primarily fasting from impure thoughts and deeds; without this, the bodily fast will not be accepted by the Lord” (source: link txt)“Fasting is also not the observance of church rules and the rhythms of the popular calendar. The main point of fasting is not the limits on food, but their spiritual significance” (source: link txt)