Notes on fast in India

This paper explores instances of ancient Indian ritual fasts, held for both religious and non religious purposes, in different types of Indian cultural communities (except for the Buddhist one, that did not enjoin fasting as a meritorious act). It also investigates the act of fasting to obtain a boon, fasting for expiation (prāyaścitta) in order to be reintegrated, and fasting as a way to redress wrong. Fasts are also describes as solemn public performances held as a form of political blackmail. The special fasting of ascetics in ancient texts is also discussed, as well as the different types of 'fast unto the death', in both brahmanical and Jaina communities. The point of view of the Āyurvedic medical school was found to be similar to the Buddhist one: doctors (except in the case of overeating) maintained that fasting would compromise health.