The Sacred Art of Fasting: Preparing to Practice

by Thomas Ryan, Rev Thomas Ryan, Rev. Thomas Ryan

Book Overview

Explore the practical approaches, spiritual motivations and physical benefits of an ancient practice that crosses faith traditions. Will answer your questions, allay your fears and reveal how you can... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1594730784
• ISBN13: 9781594730788
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: Skylight Paths Publishing
• Length: 171 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

The Sacred art of Fasting

I have been interested in Fasting for some time. Am enjoying reading the different religions approach to Fasting. I am reading the last chapter on the "how To's" before I continue reading the books. I am doing this so that I can begin preparing myself for fasting. Jennie

Good book.

As some one who has used fasting for spiritual development/awareness, this book is a pretty good primer on the practice that is comprehensive in scope. The book provides a rather large survey of the practice as found in the worlds great religions. If you may want to experiment with fasting as a method of prayer and understand why it is important, then this book may guide you in the practice. The author also provides contraindications of fasting, if you may have health concerns over the practice. This is a marginal form of spiritual practice in the west given many people have lost their roots to ancient Christian practices like fasting and Centering Prayer. I highly recommend this book if you want to explore the practice and need guidance to do so.

A sober, practical, and deeply reverential discussion of an ancient practice undertaken in search fo

Written by Catholic Priest and member of the Paulist Fathers Thomas Ryan, CSP, The Sacred Art of Fasting: Preparing to Practice is a straightforward look at fasting as a means to open oneself spiritually. Chapters survey the use of spiritual fasting in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and among the Latter-day Saints (Mormons), and strive to explain what makes fasting a "sacred art". The final chapter discusses in detail proper preparations for fasting, what health conditions make it unsafe to fast, alternative means of fasting for those who cannot safely do so, how much exercise is appropriate during a fast, and more. The Sacred Art of Fasting specifically focuses upon fasting as a spiritual practice rather than a weight loss or health practice, yet there is some discussion of the physical benefits of a controlled fast. A sober, practical, and deeply reverential discussion of an ancient practice undertaken in search for enlightenment.

The Sacred Art of Fasting

A comprehensive review of the connection of fasting and spirituality from several faith confessions, seen through the prism of a Christian theologian.