Research Paper: Pick a particular practice, sect, school, figure, deity, historical movement, etc. within one of the traditions we studied and dig deeper. Do some research, and maybe even teach me...

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    Fasting in Hinduism: A Critical Analysis
    Fasting has been accepted as a ritual in almost every religion of the world. In fact, there are specific ideologies that are predominant in terms of telling the usefulness of fasting to people. In Christianity, fasting is a method to purify the soul. In Islam, it is the way to show how devoted the man can be towards Allah. However, there is a certain integral relationship of fasting in Hinduism. Popularly known as Vrats, the fasting in Hinduism is a way to attune the body and soul with God. Like all other religions, the science behind keeping the body at fast is applicable in Hinduism as well; it purifies the digestive system and makes the mind of the person who is on fast more receptive and sensitive towards spirituality.
    At first, it is significant to note in his context that fasting in Hinduism is an integral part of the religion. The seven days of the week are related to some deity or God on which, one can prefer taking a constant repetitive method of fasting. For example, the Monday is the day of Lord Shiva for Hindus and they believe that by fasting on Monday for Shiva, they can connect their soul with him well. Specially, maidens keep this day as auspicious in hope that Shiva would grant their wish of giving them a husband like Lord Shiva himself who is an ideal candidate for marriage, as per Hindu mythology. Thus, day based fasting is provisionally allocated in Hinduism.
    Secondly, fasting has been possibly the most diverse factor that binds Hindus together. No other religion of the world is as diverse in terms of fasting as Hinduism is because of the fact that it has several dimensions of fasting. There are nine days of fasting two times in a year, one is in the summer...