What You Didn't Know About Lent

Christians Aren’t the Only Ones Who Observe Lent

For Christians worldwide, Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent. For those of you who aren't familiar, Lent is the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday when Christians all over the world recall Jesus's trials and temptations in the desert. While Lent isn't actually mentioned in the Bible itself, it is a sacred time in which people reflect on their own trials and, for 40 days, give up a habit they want to see change in themselves. This can be just about anything, from giving up junk food to a month-long fast.

But did you know? Christians aren’t the only ones who take time in which to reflect and strive to improve. There are many examples: beyond culture and faith, people everywhere have a deep desire to achieve harmony within themselves between mind and body. Here are four spiritual self-discipline practices similar to Lent, from four different religions or groups, each unique, but all containing a message of aligning the spiritual and physical.

Hinduism - Asceticism

Asceticism is an important facet of Hinduism, and a way to manage the body’s desires for food, water, sleep, etc. In Hinduism, the earthly world is seen as an illusory realm, while the soul, or Atman, is viewed as the core of existence. Gaining oneness with the spiritual world and mastering one’s body are achieved through meditation, asceticism, rituals, and prayer. Some choose to rigorously train their bodies to the limits of human capability, by practicing self-discipline. Some yogis (masters of yoga) acquire extreme flexibility and become able to twist their limbs in ways not thought possible, showing that they have obtained total control over their physical and spiritual selves.

Buddhism - The Middle Way

Buddhism also has an element of asceticism. Gautama Buddha taught his disciples to follow the "Middle Way" and seek moderation between asceticism and self-indulgence. On this path, one must disengage from mental and physical desires, as desire is seen as the source of all pain and suffering. In the Five Precepts, or ethical rules, followers are taught to avoid toxic courses of action: killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants. But it extends further. Losing attachment to desire means that one can clear the mind and follow the path to enlightenment. This does not mean the annihilation of desire, or emotions—but rather, it is a way to soothe the sting of negative emotions, so that one can live a more peaceful, balanced, happier life.

Islam - Ramadan

Fasting, or Sawm, during Ramadan is one of the essential five pillars of Islam. Throughout the ninth months of the Islamic calendar, Muslims abstain from food and drink, and practice a mindfulness to watch what they do and say. Fasting takes place between dawn and sunset, while during the night hours they break their fast, having late dinners and early breakfasts. According to scripture, Allah instructed the Prophet Muhammad that Ramadan should not be a time of hardship, but a time of devotion. Though Ramadan is required for followers, exceptions are made for the sick, elderly, etc. Ramadan provides a space for followers to meditate upon their spiritual life, and consider whether there are ways they might be able to improve.

Unificationism - Setting Conditions

Lastly, Unificationism has a tradition of aligning the mind and body in unity through setting "conditions." This could be a week of fasting, a resolution to pray for a certain number of days, etc. This sets a physical foundation for spiritual growth. Usually it is done to rid oneself of some habit or problem in one's life, and clear the path for new change to happen. And unlike Lent, it can be done at any time of the year. One specific example of setting a condition is the seven-day fast, done by an engaged, or matched, couple before the Marriage Blessing, as a way of promising lifelong devotion and dedication to the other person, as well as to God.

Across religions, there are surprising commonalities to be found. Core commonalities, which speak to the same code of values. A devotion to align the spirit and the body in harmony, by sacred self-denial, is something that can be appreciated by many faiths. It is more than just a common idea--it is imprinted in the human psyche. It makes one think: If we can agree on such a deep level on the basis of our traditions, what can’t we learn to agree on? What differences can’t we bridge?