Lex Fridman fasted for 45 hours before his podcast with PM Modi, viewing it as a tribute to the conversation. PM Modi remarked on the importance of fasting for mental clarity, discipline, and respect. The article shares anecdotes about fasting, including an encounter with President Obama, and emphasizes the personal and cultural significance of the practice.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a discussion with US podcaster Lex Fridman, who observed a 45-hour fast prior to their meeting. This fasting was intended to honor the significance of their conversation and to achieve a heightened spiritual mindset. Fridman noted, “I am fasting right now… just water, no food, in honor of this conversation.”
Upon discovering Mr. Fridman’s fasting, PM Modi expressed his gratitude, stating he was “pleasantly surprised.” He aligned fasting with respect, acknowledging its benefits in mental clarity, discipline, and awareness. He stated, “Fasting is a way to cultivate discipline… it brings both the inner and outer self into balance.”
The Prime Minister recounted an instance when he met former US President Barack Obama while fasting, leading to a humorous situation regarding hosting protocols. He humorously remarked to President Obama, “Look, my dinner has arrived!” when presented with a glass of hot water.
Moreover, PM Modi highlighted the preparatory practices he follows before embarking on a prolonged fast, such as adhering to Ayurvedic techniques and hydration. He indicated, “For me, fasting is an act of devotion and a form of self-discipline.”
In reflection, PM Modi shared his first experience with fasting during a protest inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. He recalled, “At such a young age, I felt neither hunger nor any desire for food,” asserting that fasting generates energy rather than fatigue, enabling him to maintain or even intensify his work output during these periods.
Lex Fridman’s fasting before his podcast with PM Modi showcases the significance of fasting as a spiritual and respectful practice. Prime Minister Modi emphasized its benefits for mental clarity and discipline, sharing humorous anecdotes from his own experiences with fasting. The discussion highlighted fasting not only as a personal endeavor but also a scientific process intertwined with cultural and historical significance. Ultimately, fasting is portrayed as a way to enhance one’s awareness and capabilities.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com