Chilla-nashini
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Chilla-nashini is the spiritual practice, known mostly in Indian and Persian folklore, of remaining seated in a circle without food, water, or sleep for forty days. The nashini is the person who does the forty-day fast and remains seated in the circle of seclusion. It is believed that those who try it but do not succeed usually die or suffer madness. [1]
"Chilla-nashini is a severe penance. A circle is drawn on the ground by the penitent's own hand; for forty days and nights he must not step out of the circle, he must forgo food, water and sleep. He must face whatever comes. Chilla-nashini is known to both Sufi and Vedantic ascetics." [2]
The most famous case of an alleged chilla-nashini from Persian culture is found in the biographies of Sufi poet Hafez. [1] [2] [3]
[edit] Analogous legends in western culture
The period of forty days and nights that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness could be viewed as a form of chilla-nashini. [3] Tradition has that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days on a mountain top. "In imitation of the great Jewish legislator on Sinai, he spent forty days on its summit in fasting and prayer, and other penetential exercises." [4]
[edit] References
- ^ Meher Prabhu, Bhau Kalchuri, Manifestation Inc. 1986, VOL I, p.129
- ^ The Nothing and the Everything, Bhau Kalchuri, p.78
- ^ Meher Prabhu, Bhau Kalchuri, Manifestation Inc. 1986, VOL I, p.129, Footnote 2
- ^ Catholic Encyclopedia
