In the epic film, “Gandhi,” Mahatma’s fifty-day fast is undertaken to bring about reconciliation between Hindus and Muslims. His extreme act of self-denial draws worldwide attention. “If you want something from God, fast; if you want to relieve calamity, fast,” Gandhi believes.
From primitive times, fasting has been practiced for three reasons: the magical, the ethical and the religious. As a religious discipline or in accordance with prescribed law, fasting is understood as the complete...
