Does Prayer and Fasting Matter?

Does Prayer and Fasting Matter?

In the sacred lore of Hinduism, Garuda, the divine eagle and Lord Vishnu’s mighty mount, soars skyward, seizing serpents from the earth and taking them into the heavenly sky. On the ground, they are a powerful force, but in the air, these serpents are powerless, unable to strike or constrict.

This timeless image speaks to people today who ask, “Are prayer and fasting truly necessary?” In a world of instant solutions, endless distractions, and self-reliance, these ancient practices may seem like relics of a bygone era. Yet, like Garuda lifting a serpent from its earthly domain, prayer and fasting elevate our problems from the physical world—where they bind and overwhelm—into the spiritual realm, where they are transformed by divine grace. For many people grappling with anxiety, uncertainty, or the pressure to “have it all,” these practices are not just necessary but vital, offering a path to clarity, strength, and true freedom.

The Serpent of Modern Struggles.

Life’s challenges, like a serpent, thrive in the physical world. These “serpents” coil around the heart and mind - stress that keeps us awake at night, self-doubt that whispers we’re not enough, or the relentless chase for validation that feels like a treadmill to nowhere. In the realm of screens, schedules, and societal expectations, these problems seem all-powerful, their solutions limited to hustle, quick fixes, or fleeting escapes.

We’ve all felt trapped at times, stuck in the dust of daily life, where problems loom large and solutions feel elusive. The serpent’s scales glint with the illusion of permanence, convincing us that our struggles define us. But what if we could rise above, stripping these challenges of their grip? This is where prayer and fasting become Garuda’s wings, lifting us beyond the earth’s confines.

Why These Practices Are Necessary.

Many people often wonder if prayer or fasting is merely “extra” in a world that prizes convenience and hacks. The image of Garuda and the serpent reveals why these practices are not optional but essential. Prayer is the first ascent, a deliberate act of lifting our worries to the divine. It’s not a passive wish but a bold choice to shift perspective, like Garuda soaring above the ground. When we pray—whether for guidance through a tough decision or peace amidst anxiety—we carry our struggles into the spiritual realm, where divine wisdom reframes what seemed impossible.

Fasting, though less common today, is equally vital. By saying “no” to physical cravings—whether food, drink, screens, or distractions—we weaken the serpent’s hold, loosening its coils of attachment. For a generation bombarded by instant fulfilment, fasting offers freedom from the cycle of craving more. It disciplines the body and sharpens the mind, aligning us with dharma (righteous action) and opening our hearts to divine clarity. These practices aren’t burdens but tools to rise above the noise of the world.

Transforming Problems in the Spiritual Realm.

Once lifted, the serpent—our problem—loses its potency. In the physical world, a failing grade, a broken relationship, or the pressure to earn a living can feel like the end. But in the spiritual realm, these challenges are no longer confined to earthly limits. Garuda’s victory comes not from crushing the serpent but from changing the battlefield. Prayer may not erase a problem instantly; but it might grant the courage to face it. Fasting doesn’t resolve financial stress, but it can clarify what truly matters, transforming despair into resilience.

In the Ramayan, Sita’s unwavering devotion during her captivity in Lanka exemplifies this. Facing the “serpent” of Ravan’s oppression, she turned to prayer and fasting, lifting her suffering to the divine. Her faith sustained her, transforming despair into strength until Lord Ram’s triumph. Similarly, in the Mahabharat, Arjun’s doubts before the Kurukshetra war were a serpent of fear and confusion. Through prayerful dialogue with Lord Krishna, as recorded in the Bhagavad Gita, Arjun elevated his turmoil from the physical battlefield to the spiritual realm, finding clarity in dharma.

A Call to Rise.

So, are prayer and fasting necessary? Yes, because they are Garuda’s wings, lifting our struggles from the earth, where they bind us, to the heavens, where they lose their power. Life may seem burdensome under the weight of modern pressures, but these practices cultivate a richness no technological tool or achievement can match. They teach us to see problems not as serpents to fear but as challenges to elevate, trusting the divine to transform them.

Don’t remain entangled, wrestling life’s serpents on their terms. Rise, like Garuda, through prayer and fasting. These aren’t outdated rituals but vital tools for people to find peace, purpose, and victory in a world that often feels like a battlefield. Lift your burdens to the spiritual realm, and watch the serpents of life lose their venom in the light of divine grace.