Plenum, I see fasting as a symbolic expression of one's intent to see the spiritual as more important than the physical. Combining that with an exclusive focus on spiritually-oriented actions and thoughts throughout the fast is what gives it power.
Eventually, the act of fasting itself becomes less necessary, as purity and spiritual focus of actions and thoughts becomes a habit. One begins to see the sacred in the mundane, in every moment. (as Nagarjuna pointed out, samsara is nirvana; and Ra said, "look at another. See the Creator"). That takes practice.
Yet fasting still remains an exceptionally powerful tool, as I was recently reminded!
Eventually, the act of fasting itself becomes less necessary, as purity and spiritual focus of actions and thoughts becomes a habit. One begins to see the sacred in the mundane, in every moment. (as Nagarjuna pointed out, samsara is nirvana; and Ra said, "look at another. See the Creator"). That takes practice.
Yet fasting still remains an exceptionally powerful tool, as I was recently reminded!