Food and Fasting: Dietary Practices in Religions

8pm, Tues, September 15, 2009

300 baht (non-members)

 

“Conspicuous consumption” is an expression gaining increasing notice as the debate on climate change continues. And Bangkok has much to remind us of what such a world of plenty means. The city’s choice of restaurants is but one, where locals and visitors are guaranteed a feast if they so choose to go dining out.

Yet there are those asking if our dietary habits are in need of change. Is there an alternative? Do religions offer an answer? Is it time for balance between eating and fasting that one does not learn when following the latest fads on food?

The Islamic fasting month of Ramadan provides an opportunity for a wider and broader look at the role of dietary practices and traditions in religion. Other faiths, too, have made their own contributions, shaping the dietary habits of their followers. Thailand offers this during the Buddhist period of Lent. Hinduism offers its own rituals, as does Christianity.

To shed light on this issue and give us possible tips to re-examine our dietary habits are four speakers from faiths with a large following in our region.

Pracha Hutanuwatra, Founder and Director, Young Awakening Institute and co-founder and Deputy Director of Right Livelihood Foundation, on Buddhism.

Neema Majmudar, a Bangkok-based Teacher of Indian Philosophy on Hinduism.

Imtiaz Muqbil, columnist, Soul Searching, Bangkok Post, on Islam & Ramadan.

Stewart Perry, pastor, International Church of Bangkok.

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