"Whenever there is distress which one cannot remove,
one must fast and pray."
one must fast and pray."
(Mahatma Gandhi, Young India: Sept. 25, 1924)

The engines of this destruction are many and powerful, including our own participation in a culture of materialism and waste. Many see this destruction and the forces arrayed to perpetuate it and resign themselves in despair and silence.

Some of us in Brookings, South Dakota, are calling for a "Fast for the Earth," beginning August 1, 2012. Most spiritual traditions recognize the role fasting can play in increasing human insight into our relationships with each other and the world around us.
For Jews, one might consider how Moses fasted twice, for 40 days, that the Hebrew people might be able to understand and follow the way of Yahweh. Or how both Joel and Jonah called for fasting in order to avert the judgment of God.
For Christians, there are indications in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian New Testament that fasting was an accepted practice for strengthening one's spirit and commitment to spiritual values. Jesus, like Moses, also fasted for 40 days and resisted the principalities and powers with all of their temptations.
For Muslims, this "Fast for the Earth" will be occurring during the month of Ramadan. In Islam, all of the faithful fast from sunup to sundown. It's not only a physical discipline but a mental and spiritual one as well.
For Buddhists, one might consider the teaching of the Buddha to avoid eating after the noon meal for health and well being. One is prepared by fasting to exercise self control and increase compassion.
For Hindus there is a long history of fasting on special holy days; and often weekly on one day of the week.

"No matter from what motive you are fasting, during this precious time think of your Maker, and of your relation to Him and His other creation, and you will make discoveries you may not have even dreamed of." (Young India: Dec.17, 1925)
"There is nothing so powerful as fasting and prayer that would give us the requisite discipline, spirit of self-sacrifice, humility and resoluteness of will without which there can be no progress." (Young India: March 31, 1920)
"If a Satyagrahi once undertakes a fast from conviction, he must stick to his resolve whether there is a chance of his action bearing fruit or not. He who fasts in the expectation of fruit generally fails. And even if he does not seemingly fail, loses all the inner joy which a true fast holds. (Harijan: May 21, 1938)
Coupled with a prayerful concern for the healing of the earth, fasting can strengthen us to resist the principalities and powers that close our eyes, seal our lips and harden our hearts to the devastation going on around us. Join the "Fast for the Earth" for as long as you are able, as often as you are able.
Carl Kline
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