<p>The object of Buddhist fasting is to eliminate the old habits. (ie:hunger)
This should be practiced in a middle way. That is why monks are required to not to eat after midday.
If you extend the fasting more than that it becomes the self-mortification. which was rejected by Buddha.</p>

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2017-07-16T01:46:40.117Z
But reading about it it has a lot of benefits  - for better digestion - for losing weight - and other stuff  - including stuff which can help the practice in the long run
breath
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2017-07-16T00:59:44.117Z
2017-07-16T01:36:00.833Z
2017-07-16T01:36:00.833Z
SarathW
<p>Got interested after seeing benefits of intermediate fasting in retreats from noon (more energy more time)  - but started to read about benefits of longer fasts now   (24 hours - 28 days) </p>

<p>But there is the whole middle way thing to consider - did buddha talk  against fasting ? or just against fasting to suffer on purpose thinking that would liberate you ?    </p>

<p>If i do it for health benefits it might be ok - right ?     </p>

<p>maybe it does have benifits that can help the practice (more energy more time etc).</p>

<buddha><fasting>
Is fasting good or bad?
# Is fasting good or bad?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-07-15)

Got interested after seeing benefits of intermediate fasting in retreats from noon (more energy more time) - but started to read about benefits of longer fasts now (24 hours - 28 days)

But there is the whole middle way thing to consider - did buddha talk against fasting ? or just against fasting to suffer on purpose thinking that would liberate you ?

If i do it for health benefits it might be ok - right ?

maybe it does have benifits that can help the practice (more energy more time etc).

**Tags:** buddha, fasting


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2017-07-16. Score: 1

The object of Buddhist fasting is to eliminate the old habits. (ie:hunger)
This should be practiced in a middle way. That is why monks are required to not to eat after midday.
If you extend the fasting more than that it becomes the self-mortification. which was rejected by Buddha.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: But reading about it it has a lot of benefits  - for better digestion - for losing weight - and other stuff  - including stuff which can help the practice in the long run  

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