Sydney Baha’i Diane Hansen is resuming the “learning journey” she undertook at this time last year.
Ms Hansen joined the Baha’i Faith in 2006 and last year participated in the Baha’i fast for the first time.
“My first Baha’i fast was a real learning journey with many peaks and valleys,” Ms Hansen said.
“It definitely boosted my spiritual development, as I often found myself calling on prayer to get me through the day,” she said.
“Fasting taught me a lot about myself. The best meal I ate during the fast contained a good portion of humble pie,” Ms Hansen said.
Fasting is a reminder
In observing the fast, Baha’is between the ages of 15 and 70 do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset from 2 March until 20 March.
Fasting is intended to draw the individual closer to God through re-focusing on prayer and the life of the spirit.
According to the Baha’i writings, abstaining from food and drink is symbolic, “a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires.”
There are exemptions for those who are sick, pregnant or breastfeeding, travelling, or engaged in heavy labour.
Most Baha’is find they can carry on their normal lives, often having an early breakfast and breaking their fast just after the sun sets.
New Year
When the final day of fasting draws to a close at sunset on 20 March, celebrations will begin for the Baha’i New Year, or Naw-Ruz.
In Australia this holy day is usually celebrated with prayers and joyous local celebrations.
It falls on the spring equinox, the same day as the ancient Persian festival also called Naw-Ruz.
Read another story about the Baha’i Fast from the Baha’i World News Service.