What are the benefits of fasting?

the only time i fast is when i have to go for tests at my doctor's.

yes, you are right. the original word of fasting is upavas, means 'remaining near to the supreme consciousness ('god'). those who fast liberate much extra energy from the body since little of their energy is being used for digestion during this time. this energy should be properly channeled and not wasted. in that condition, the mind is extremely clear, which is the best condition to do our mental (and spiritual) activities. fasting is also one of the most ancient cures of nature. you know, every animal instinctively fasts when it is sick. but we human beings have strayed so far from nature that often instead of obeying our instinctive lack of appetite when we are sick, and fasting to purify the body, we stuff it with more and more food, 'to build up our strength.'

hi narayan2006. you are absolutely right!! see the coincidence the holy ramzaan has started yesterday, and today the ganesh chaturhi, huge celebration all over maharashtra and other places. the season for the festivals are on !!

Ditto. But it's also a chance to focus on God, our creator. We're giving up something for Him. Say, if we gave up food... everytime we were hungry we would be focused on God and reminding ourselves that we're doing this for Him. When we fast, it's also a way to remind ourselves to pray for someone/something/etc. I, personally, don't fast food in general because I have a tendency to get really sick easily and very weak without it (since I'm so tiny) but when it does come time to that.. people at my church and I would fast things that take up so much of our time away from God and that we enjoy so much.. such as facebook, internet, aim, tv, candy, etc.