Fasting

[Li Xioa Long]

I just wanted to get some more information about fasting in Buddhism becasue im still not quite sure about that. Is there a set fasting time or period? And what about the fasting? What are you allowed to eat or drink or even? And how many days does this go ?

[sabaijai]

Laypeople who follow the eight precepts (generally reserved for full moon days or overnight stays in monasteries); novice monks who follow the 10 precepts; and fully ordained monks who follow 227 precepts all take a vow to abstain from eating between noon and the following dawn. This is one of the Uposatha Sila. Uposatha literally means 'fast day', while sila means precepts or morality.

Other than that, fasting doesn't appear to be a regular component of Theravada Buddhism.

The full Uposatha Sila are:

Not to kill.

Not to steal.

Not to engage in sexual intercourse.

Not to tell lies.

Not to take intoxicants.

Not to eat food between noon and the following dawn.

Not to sing, dance or watch entertainments, and not to use ornaments, cosmetics or perfumes.

Not to sit or lie on a large or high seat or bed.