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
Some claim that the period of forty days and nights that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness outside Jerusalem, during which he confronted "Satan," could be viewed as a form of chilla-nashini. [3] Saint Patrick is also said to have fasted for forty days. "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
