Each Fortnight is divided into three columns that represent the 3 five day periods of that fornight. The 3 rows represent the "Culture" or religeous tradition or school associated with that 5 day period, the "Praxis" are practices to be undertaken within it, and the "Mythos" is the symbolic story associated with it.

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Yesai the Nazorean 2021 - All Rights Reserved

 FASTING
 5
 Mandaean Fasting - Sauma

 General Context:
-  Purpose:  Fasting in Mandaeism, known as "sauma," is for spiritual purification, aligning oneself with the "World of Light," and preparing for liturgical practices or special religious days.
-  Frequency:  While daily fasting isn't mandatory, certain times of the year or specific rituals might require it.

Rituals and Instructions:
1.  Preparation:
   - Before any fast, Mandaeans would typically engage in a purification ritual, which includes:
     -  Rishama:  A daily self-baptism ritual where one washes their face, hands, and feet. This is to prepare the body and soul for spiritual practices.
     -  Prayer:  Recitation of prayers from the "Qulasta," the canonical prayerbook. These prayers would include invocations to the Great Life (Hayyi Rabbi) and other uthras (light beings).
2.  Fasting Practices:
   -  Dietary Restrictions:  During a fast, Mandaeans might abstain from eating meat, dairy, or all food entirely, focusing on water or other light, pure substances. The exact nature can vary based on the occasion or personal practice:
     -  No Meat or Dairy:  Common during certain periods or before specific ceremonies.
     -  Water Only:  On more intense fast days, only water might be consumed, symbolizing purity and the life-giving nature of water in Mandaeism.
3.  Liturgical Elements:
   -  Prayers for Fasting:  Although specific prayers for fasting aren't widely published, one can infer from general Mandaean liturgy:
     -  Invocation of Light:  Prayers might begin with invocations to the Light, such as, "In the name of Hayyi Rabbi," aligning the fast with the quest for spiritual light.
     -  From Qulasta:  Prayers like those for the "crowning" (klila) or for the soul's journey might be recited, emphasizing purification and the soul's ascent.
   -  Examples of Prayers (Adapted from known Qulasta translations for context):
     -  "In the name of Hayyi Rabbi, the Great Life, from which all life comes, I purify myself for the fast, to cleanse my soul and body from the darkness of this world."
     -  "May the light of the Great Life shine upon me, may my fast be accepted, and may I be purified for the journey to the World of Light."
4.  Breaking the Fast:
   -  Ritual Bath:  After the fast, another ritual washing might occur to signify the end of the fast and the return to purity.
   -  Meal:  If the fast was strict, the first meal might be simple and symbolic, often involving bread and water, reflecting themes of purity and life.
5.  Dedication:
   - The fast is dedicated to the purification of the soul, preparation for baptism (masbuta), or for significant religious observances, always with the aim of drawing closer to the "World of Light" and away from the "World of Darkness."

 4
Shugendo Fasting

 Context:
-  Purpose:  Fasting in Shugendo is often part of the broader ascetic training aimed at spiritual purification, gaining supernatural powers, understanding the impermanence of the body, and connecting with nature and the divine.

Preparation and Practice:
1.  Preparation:
   -  Purification:  Before fasting, practitioners might engage in physical purification like bathing in cold water or under waterfalls (takigyo), symbolizing the washing away of impurities.
   -  Spiritual Cleansing:  This could include chanting sutras or mantras, especially those related to Fud? My?? (Acala), a central deity in Shugendo, to invoke protection and purification.
2.  Fasting Practices:
   -  Duration:  Fasts can vary from one day to several days, depending on the intensity of the training or the specific ritual.
   -  Diet:
     -  Minimal Intake:  Often, fasting might mean consuming only water or very light, pure food like rice or specific herbs, focusing on minimal sustenance to maintain life while purifying the body.
     -  Complete Fast:  In more intense practices, practitioners might abstain from all food and possibly water for a period, leading to a heightened state of awareness or spiritual insight.
3.  Liturgical Elements:
   -  Invocation and Dedication:
     - The fast might begin with an invocation to deities, particularly Fud? My??, asking for strength and purification. An example might be:
       -  "Namu Fud? My??, I enter this fast to purify my body and soul, to gain insight into the true nature of existence, and to connect with the divine energies of the mountain."
   -  Mantra Recitation:
     - Recitation of mantras like "On baishiramantaya sowaka" (Fud? My??'s mantra) or "Namu Daishi Henj? Kong?" (K?kai's mantra) during the fast to maintain focus and spiritual energy.
   -  Sutra Chanting:
     - Chants from Buddhist sutras, particularly those of Shingon Buddhism (like parts of the Heart Sutra or the Lotus Sutra), might be part of the practice, focusing on the emptiness of form and the purification of mind.
   -  Meditation and Visualization:
     - Meditation on the mountain as a mandala, visualizing oneself merging with the landscape, or focusing on the deities' forms within one's body to transcend physical hunger.
4.  Physical and Spiritual Exercises:
   -  Mountain Ascents:  The fast might coincide with climbing sacred mountains, where each step is a form of meditation or prayer.
   -  Breathing Techniques:  Controlled breathing to manage hunger and enhance spiritual energy.
5.  Breaking the Fast:
   -  Ritual Meal:  After fasting, there might be a simple, ritualistic breaking of the fast, often with rice, symbolizing rebirth or renewal after death (of the ego or old self).
   -  Prayers of Gratitude:  Giving thanks to the deities, the mountain, and nature for the experience and the strength to endure.
6.  Dedication:
   - The fast is dedicated not only to personal enlightenment but also for the benefit of all sentient beings, in line with Mahayana Buddhist principles.

  3
Parsi Fasting - "Nahan" or "Roj"

 Context:
-  Purpose:  Fasting in Zoroastrianism is often for purification, penance, or in preparation for important religious ceremonies like the Navjote (initiation), marriage, or festivals like the Muktad (days for the souls of the departed).

Preparation and Practice:
1.  Preparation:
   -  Ritual Bath (Nahan):  Before fasting, a ritual bath is performed for purification. The bath involves specific prayers:
     -  Prayer Before Bath:
       - "Ashem Vohu" (Righteousness is the best good) might be recited:
         - "Ashem vohu vahishtem asti, Usht? asti, usht? ahm?i, Hyat ash?i vahisht?i ashem."
       - This prayer is recited to purify the mind and body.
   -  Clothing:  After the bath, clean, white clothes are worn, symbolizing purity.
2.  Fasting Practices:
   -  Dietary Restrictions:
     -  Roj:  A day of fasting might involve no food or just one meal, often vegetarian, avoiding meat and sometimes dairy.
     -  Muktad:  During these days, some might fast or eat minimally, focusing on prayers for the departed souls.
3.  Liturgical Elements:
   -  Prayers During Fasting:
     -  Yatha Ahu Vairyo:  This prayer, which is central to Zoroastrian practice, might be recited frequently:
       - "Yath? ahu vairyo ath? ratush ash?t chit hach? fr? ashava vidhv?o mazd?i."
       - It emphasizes the relationship between the divine and the righteous.
     -  Kasti Prayer:  The sacred thread (kasti) is untied and retied with specific prayers for protection and purification:
       - "Kshnaothra Ahurahe Mazd?o. Ashem Vohu" (May there be joy of Ahura Mazda. Righteousness is the best good) is followed by:
       - "Ba n?me yazd?n, Hormazd Khod?e awaz?n? gorje khoreh awaz?y?d..."
   -  Special Prayers for Fasting:
     - There isn't a specific "fasting prayer" per se, but prayers like the "Patet Pashemani" (confession) might be recited for repentance and purification:
       - "Hormazd Khod?e, az ham? gun?h patet hom, az harvast?n dushmata, duzhukhta, duzhvarshta..." (O Hormazd, the Lord, I repent from all sins, from all evil thoughts, words, and deeds...)
   -  Dedication:
     - The fast and prayers are dedicated to Ahura Mazda, seeking forgiveness, purification, and strength to follow the path of Asha (truth and righteousness).
4.  Breaking the Fast:
   -  Meal:  Often, the fast is broken with a simple, pure meal, possibly starting with a blessing or prayer:
     - "Asha vahishta asha sraeshta" (The best righteousness, the most excellent righteousness) might be recited before eating.
5.  Ritual Observances:
   -  Fire Temple Visits:  During fasting or special days, one might visit the fire temple for prayers, offerings, and to pay homage to the sacred fire, which symbolizes purity and the divine light.

 1
 Dzogchen Fasting Prayer:

In the nature of Great Perfection, I take refuge in Samantabhadra, the primordial Buddha, the embodiment of all Buddhas.
With this fast, I purify my mind's obscurations, recognize my true nature, and dedicate the merit to all sentient beings.
May this practice dissolve dualistic perceptions,
Unveil the pristine awareness within,
And lead to the realization of the inseparability of emptiness and appearance.
Through this fasting, may I and all beings rest in the natural state,
Free from the veils of ignorance,
Awakening to the vast expanse of the Dharmakaya.

 Dzogchen Fasting Practice:
1.  Preparation:
   - Begin with a clear intention to purify your mind and recognize your intrinsic awareness (Rigpa).
   - Set the duration of your fast, whether it's from dawn to dawn or another period that suits your physical condition and spiritual practice.
2.  Refuge and Bodhicitta:
   - Recite or meditate on taking refuge in the Three Jewels and generating bodhicitta, the altruistic intention for enlightenment for all beings.
3.  Fasting Vow:
   - Commit to abstaining from food and drink during the fast, focusing on the practice as a means to purify the mind and body.
4.  Meditation:
   -  Trekchö (Cutting Through):  Sit in meditation, allowing thoughts to arise without attachment or aversion. Recognize their nature as the play of Rigpa. This practice coincides with fasting to enhance clarity and insight.
   -  Tögal (Direct Crossing):  If advanced, engage in Tögal practice by gazing into the sky or at light, seeing visions as a manifestation of clear light. This is not advised without proper guidance due to its advanced nature.
5.  Prayer and Mantra Recitation:
   - Recite the above prayer or similar aspirations focusing on the realization of the natural state.
   - Chant mantras like "OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PADMA SIDDHI HUNG" for purification and blessing, or other mantras relevant to your Dzogchen lineage.
6.  Mindfulness and Conduct:
   - Maintain mindfulness throughout the day, seeing all activities as opportunities for practice.
   - Refrain from negative actions, cultivating compassion, patience, and ethical behavior.
7.  Dedication:
   - At the end of the fasting period, dedicate the merit of your practice towards the enlightenment of all beings.
8.  Concluding Practices:
   - Perform prostrations or visualizations that help in sealing the practice, such as envisioning oneself as a deity or dissolving into the nature of Rigpa.
Remember, Dzogchen practices are deeply personal and often require guidance from a qualified teacher. This example is a general outline and should be adapted according to the specific teachings of your lineage or teacher. Additionally, fasting should be approached with caution, especially if you have health
concerns, consulting with a medical professional if necessary.

 2
 Hildegard of Bingen Fasting Prayer:

"O Holy Spirit, Creator of all, who breathes life into every creature, I offer this fast to You as a means to cleanse my body and soul. By this act of discipline, may I renew my connection to Your divine light, finding healing and wisdom. Let this fasting time be filled with Your presence, guiding me towards greater
health, clarity, and spiritual insight. May the simplicity of my diet reflect the simplicity of my devotion to You. Amen."

 Hildegard of Bingen Fasting Practice:
1.  Preparation:
   - Decide on the duration of the fast, which could range from a few days to a week, following Hildegard's guidelines for health and spiritual renewal.
   - Prepare physically by reducing heavy foods and increasing intake of water, teas, and light foods in the days leading up to the fast.

2.  Fasting Regime:
   -  Diet:  Follow Hildegard's fasting diet:
     -  Liquids:  Drink 2-3 liters of fennel or fasting tea daily. Hildegard's fasting teas often include herbs like fennel, which she considered beneficial for health.[](https://www.healthyhildegard.com/hildegards-guide-to-fasting-and-health/)
     -  Foods:  If not on a complete liquid fast, include light meals like Hildegard's fasting soup made from spelt, vegetables like fennel, or fruits like quince.[](https://www.healthyhildegard.com/hildegards-guide-to-fasting-and-health/)
     -  Spices:  Incorporate spices Hildegard recommended for health, like ginger for digestion, galangal for respiratory issues, and nutmeg for
well-being.[](https://www.piccantino.com/info/magazine/fasting-like-hildegard-of-bingen)[](https://www.piccantino.ch/en-CH/info/magazine/fasting-like-hildegard-of-bingen)

3.  Spiritual Practices:
   -  Meditation and Prayer:  Spend time in prayer, particularly invoking the Holy Spirit, as Hildegard was deeply connected with the Holy Spirit in her visions and writings.
   -  Nature:  Engage in gentle activities like walking in nature, which Hildegard saw as a way to connect with God's creation and to meditate on His works.[](https://www.healthyhildegard.com/hildegards-guide-to-fasting-and-health/)

4.  Physical Activity:
   - Include daily light physical activity to aid in the detoxification process. Hildegard advocated for activities that energize without exhausting, like gentle hiking.[](https://www.healthyhildegard.com/hildegards-guide-to-fasting-and-health/)

5.  Mental and Spiritual Focus:
   - Use this time for self-reflection, reading spiritual texts, or listening to Hildegard's music, which is known for its healing properties.
   - Reflect on Hildegard's concept of 'viriditas' or 'greenness,' symbolizing life, growth, and vitality, aiming to cultivate this in your own life.

6.  Breaking the Fast:
   - Gradually reintroduce foods, starting with simple, Hildegard-approved items like spelt bread, vegetables, and fruits, to avoid shocking the system.

7.  Health Considerations:
   - Monitor your health throughout the fast, ensuring you stay hydrated and listen to your body. Hildegard's fasting was meant to be therapeutic, not harmful. If you feel unwell, adjust your practice or consult with a healthcare provider.

8.  Reflection:
   - Conclude with a period of reflection on your experience, noting any insights, changes in health, or spiritual growth. Dedicate the fruits of your fast to healing, both personal and communal.
This practice combines Hildegard's holistic approach to health, where physical fasting is intertwined with spiritual growth, aiming for a balance that reflects her philosophy of living in harmony with nature and the divine.