Filed under: The Fast
Well, I’m minutes away from stepping off the grid. I think for some of you, this is not a big challenge. Perhaps, it won’t be for me either. As I’ve alluded, giving up food has been surprisingly easy – although I continue to fantasize over all manner of meals.
But, as I step closer to no electricity, I should reiterate why this is part of my Aththai at all. We live in a world that depends on violence for its very existence. There is human-to-human violence, violence against animals, violence against plants, and violence against the entire biosphere. As a point of fact, neither Jainism nor Buddhism nor Hinduism says that we can live without violence. This is an impossibility. But, in the holiest of our celebrations, I want to take some time to remove myself from the violence that our civilization demands. I am not sure what I will learn yet, but I need to take these steps.
My next three days will be interesting. Most of them will be occupied by a combination of kriyas, meditation, walks, contemplation, reading, and writing. I hope something good comes of it. Thank you to all who have wished me well. I will be glad to let you know how this finally unveils.
Report card for day 5:
Hunger level (0-10):3-4
Water consumed: ~100 ounces (unboiled)
Miles driven: 0
Approximate kilowatt hours used:~1.0 KwH
Things I wanted to buy but did not: None
Hours in silence: 16 (8 waking)
Weight (originally 160 lbs): 153 lbs
13 Comments so far
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Dear Samir,
Comment by Ami parekh September 13, 2007 @ 3:14 pmYou are a young man with a strong determination/principal mind.We are very proud of your experiment and the challenges you taken. I am very sure that God will give you the strength to finish your commitment sucessfully.Love Pravina faiba, Fuva & Ashish
Parents dilema
We have thought long and hard ,about your wish for us to not make the trip (conserving Air fuel, and minimizing violence of insects duee to air travel- during Puryushan),and our strong desire to be there,sharing this wonderful experiment ,both for Parna (8th day fast breaking rituals),and there after. Parents being there with a Tapasvi, (Samir),will allow us to receieve Punya,as well as feeling of tremendous bliss.
Comment by Ramesh Mehta September 13, 2007 @ 4:05 pmWe are sharing (in spirit)every minute of your experience,and had tentatively booked the schedules. But based on last nights discussion, we are still in a quandry,and trying to balance out your wishes, and our desires. (Madhyasta). One of the 4 Bhavas according to Jainism.
Comment by Ramesh Mehta September 13, 2007 @ 4:10 pmSam good luck off the grid! See you tonight (late). You’re almost there!!!
Comment by Nick Mehta September 13, 2007 @ 4:31 pmSam,
UNBELIEVABLE! I don’t have many words to describe the emotions rambling through my head, but I will say this – You have made us all think of the choices we make in life!
Please continue to inspire us with your spirits and insights on the meaning of religion, violence, society and our mere existance.
I would love to be part of your “bloggsphere”. if you continue to have one after this experiment!
On the lilghter side -
Nick, if you read this, we should have taken bets on this one:)
Vishal
Comment by Vishal Mehta September 13, 2007 @ 4:57 pmIn life it is always the first few steps are difficult.First few steps of a walk, first few minutes of an interview,first year of a start up. first encounter with a stranger, or first few days of a FAST. Then it is a smooth sail. Body/human beings have a tremendous ability to adopt,and that is why human species has not been like dianosours. Samir, you are almost there,and we are there with you, in mind, body and spirit. Love
Comment by Dad & Mom September 13, 2007 @ 5:12 pmDad & Mom
Sammy!!!
you’re doing so well!!!!!!! satha che? well, just wanted to say hello!
Comment by Alka September 13, 2007 @ 7:17 pmpennance unvails our mental strength, makes us realise how people go hungry without choice and makes us more understanding towards others. It is good to know you are developing your own philosophy towards religion duing fasting religiously but thoughtfully. As our jain pandits say atma has annant power. You will feel that during this tap. Keep peeling off one after one impurity and you will shine like sun.
Comment by alka rambhia September 14, 2007 @ 3:27 pmHope you inspire other youngsters too.
Love
Alka aunty
PS I came to pooja at your place last month
Dear Samir
We are bestowed with abundant inner strength, and will power,which keeps us going.In response to B.K’s comment , the will power is another distinctive aspect for human race. This allows us to become very (self) aware.— Next comment,If we can always live in present moment by becoming joyfully aware of every breath, then we can reach a state of clarity, which in turn allows us to design our own destiny,with in the context of Karma,and achieve every thing we desire, including a state of equanimity,and a blissful existance. You are allmost there.Pranam with love to a spiritual soul.
Dad & Mom
Dad & Mom
Comment by Dad & Mom September 14, 2007 @ 9:35 pmDear Samir
May the force from all of us be with you, you are almost there. We are abiding by your wishes,and curbing all our temptations to be with you, so you can observe total detachment during this period. Love you soooooooooooooo very much.PLease,please remeber, liquid diet,first day after fast,and semi solid,there after. Nikhil and Monica, have ben requested to assure you of this.
Love
Dad & Mom
Dad & Mom.
Comment by Dad & Mom September 14, 2007 @ 9:38 pmDear Samir…
Someone once said that change happens from within and this change (even if it’s for a week or so) that happens, it can make a huge impact for yourself and mankind. What you’re doing is incredibly awesome and from reading all these comments, it seems you have a copious amount of love and support from friends and family. What you said about violence is so true, although I’m not sure if the world depends on violence, but rather instead accepts violence to a certain degree in order to live/survive…but i do understand what you are saying and hopefully people will embrace all the good that you’re doing this week and throughout your life and learn from those venerated souls like Mahavir Bhagvan and Gandhiji.
With Much Respect,
Comment by Shail Shah September 14, 2007 @ 11:14 pmShail Shah
Wonderful to read about your journey in reverse order. Now, as you progressing through the last minute, off the grid, I wish you the best of will, and a glimpse of wisdom that most may never see.
Comment by Adithya September 15, 2007 @ 10:29 pmSomehow i missed the point. Probably lost in translation
Anyway … nice blog to visit.
cheers, Citron.
Comment by Citron June 19, 2008 @ 7:15 am