The Spiritual Trap of Starvation: Why Sai Baba Forbade Fasting
The Leela
In the sacred pages of the Shri Sai Satcharitra, we find the compelling narrative of Mrs. Gokhale. She arrived in the holy land of Shirdi with a fierce resolve—a determination born of traditional piety. Her vow was strict: she would observe a complete fast for three days, refusing to consume even a single grain of food or a drop of water, believing this penance would please the Divine.
While other saints might have applauded such physical austerity, telling a devotee, "Make it thirty days instead of three," Sai Baba’s court operated on a different law. He knew that her intention, though sincere, was misdirected. Baba intervened immediately. He directed her to the home of a Brahmin where the lady of the house was unable to cook due to the traditional restrictions of her menstrual cycle, leaving her children hungry. Baba instructed Mrs. Gokhale to go there, cook Puran Poli (sweet flatbread), feed the children, and—crucially—feed herself. By breaking her fast to serve others, Baba shattered the illusion that starving the body feeds the soul.
? The Conflict / Doubt
Why did Sai Baba vehemently oppose the age-old tradition of fasting, which is considered a pillar of spiritual discipline in almost every religion?
For centuries, we have believed that those who inflict the most pain on their bodies are the greatest devotees. We observe Shivratri and Ekadashi out of fear, social expectation, or the misguided notion that God requires our suffering. If tradition dictates fasting to please Lord Shiva, why did the Saint of Shirdi claim there is no room for it in His court?
The Revelation
Baba’s teaching transforms our understanding of the body as a vehicle for the Divine. He emphasized that a starving body leads to a scattered mind, making true Bhakti (devotion) impossible.
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The Physiology of Starvation vs. Devotion: Baba explained that when the stomach is empty, the senses lose their vitality. The mind becomes confused—"the ground appears as the sky"—meaning one loses all sense of balance and direction. If the instrument (the body) is broken, how can the music of devotion be played?
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The Futility of Weakness: To worship God, one needs a sharp intellect, focused eyes, and a melodious voice. Starvation kills these faculties.
"When hunger strikes... neither the mind works at its full capacity nor the intellect operates effectively. The condition of the mind, body, and senses becomes such that everything starts to scatter in confusion."
- The Doctrine of Moderation (Mit Bhojan): Baba advocated for 'moderate eating.' Extreme fasting breeds arrogance or illness, while gluttony breeds lethargy. The middle path allows the seeker to maintain the energy required for spiritual pursuit.
"The one whose stomach is hungry, God's touch may not reach till the end of the kalp (eon)."
- Service Over Suffering: By sending Mrs. Gokhale to cook for hungry children, Baba taught that channeling energy into service is superior to withering away in a corner. A day spent in service with a nourished body is worth more than a thousand fasts of Shivratri.
Scriptural References
đź“– Shri Sai Satcharitra, Chapter 32, Verse 124
Watch the Discourse
In the sacred pages of the *Shri Sai Satcharitra*, we find the compelling narrative of Mrs. Gokhale. She arrived in the holy land of Shirdi with a fierce resolve—a determination born of traditional pi...
Leela Narration
In the sacred pages of the *Shri Sai Satcharitra*, we find the compelling narrative of Mrs. Gokhale. She arrived in the holy land of Shirdi with a fierce resolve—a determination born of traditional pi...