Fasting as Spiritual Transformation
Fasting prohibitions can be interpreted not only as an injunction to refrain from certain types of food but also as a symbolic separation of an individual from his more basic, “animalistic” side. In a source that provides a detailed explanation of the essence and stages of fasting (source: link txt), it is explained that fasting is a spiritual feat that expresses the purity of the soul through deprivations, specifically through the abstention from animal-derived food (for example, avoiding meat, dairy, and fish). This abstinence is viewed as a way to overcome excess and mitigate the influence of natural needs.Considering that some products are traditionally associated with animals—as ants, for example, are part of the animal kingdom—an additional layer of symbolism can be seen in these prohibitions. Much like ants, which have clearly defined roles and live according to strict principles of collective discipline, humans, through fasting, systematically renounce those aspects that tie them to material needs or spur an overly external lifestyle. Thus, renouncing certain products becomes a method of internal restructuring, where the emphasis is placed on spiritual purity and wholeness.Emphasizing this idea, the same document states: "Essentially, fasting is a feat and is associated with faith and boldness. Fasting is pleasing and acceptable to the Lord as the impulse of a soul reaching for purity, striving to break free from the chains of sin and liberate the spirit from the bondage of the body. ... Here, five stages of physical fasting can be distinguished: 1) the renunciation of meat, 2) the renunciation of dairy, 3) the renunciation of fish, 4) the renunciation of vegetable oil, and 5) complete self-deprivation of food." (source: link txt)Thus, the prohibitions of fasting are interpreted as a deliberate effort to transform the human being, where abandoning products associated with the animal instinct helps one transcend a purely physical existence and attain a higher state, much like the distinctive, orderly forms of life in nature, where each element has its own place and significance.Supporting citation(s):"Essentially, fasting is a feat and is associated with faith and boldness. Fasting is pleasing and acceptable to the Lord as the impulse of a soul reaching for purity, striving to break free from the chains of sin and liberate the spirit from the bondage of the body. ... Here, five stages of physical fasting can be distinguished: 1) the renunciation of meat, 2) the renunciation of dairy, 3) the renunciation of fish, 4) the renunciation of vegetable oil, and 5) complete self-deprivation of food." (source: link txt)