Re: Fasting

["Jason Paris" <jambay53@...>]

Hi Rawn & everyone,

> To understand why Bardon does not recommend fasting for magical 
purposes, we must first examine the goal of fasting as a magical
practice. <

I was similarly wondering why Vegetarianism is not recommended by 
Bardon, given that it's such a common tenet of other spiritual paths.

In the theoretical section of 'IIH' (Merkur edition) - 
under 'Ascetisicm' - Bardon writes: "The idea that eating the meat of 
animals also causes the transference of animal characteristics is 
foolish....".

Might we infer that to eat an animal and expect to take on its Karma 
and emotional state (at the moment of death) is similarly unfounded?

I understand that Hare Krishnas avoid meat for this very reason: to 
avoid the Karma & (final) emotional state of the deceased animal.

I understand that Buddhists avoid meat because the flesh of animals 
is of a "lower vibrational frequency" than that of plants. And that 
if one aspires to refining their own mental processes, avoidance of 
these "lower frequencies" is recommended.

Without disrespect to either philosophy, I confess that these 
arguments are difficult for me to grasp.

In the case of Krishna philosophy, surely one is as likely to take on 
the Karma of any *non-animal* (ie, plant) that one consumes? 

Besides, surely the Karmic profile/emotional state of any incarnated 
being (animal, plant, whatever) is not "stored" in the physical body 
anyway, and therefore not transferred during the *eating* of that 
body?

Similarly, with respect to Buddhist philosophy, surely the ingestion 
of material of a particular vibrational frequency by the *physical* 
body would have little or no bearing upon the refinement of the 
*mental* body?

Finally, regarding the other popular argument - that's it's cruel to 
contribute to the slaughter of animals by being a meat-eater - while 
compassionate, surely misses the point that it's *just* as cruel to 
kill plants? 

Would a plant not suffer as much as an animal during 
harvest/slaughter?

Which might leave one wondering: "What *can* I eat with impunity?". 
I would suggest: "Anything you like!".

Would love to hear others' opinions.

Anyroad, I'm off to get a Big Mac or two......... ;-) ;-)

See ye later,

Jason