Anyone have some advice as to fasting and sleep deprivation for spiritual growth?

i have heard people that fast and don't sleep for a set amount of time have had amazing results spiritually. but im unsure about this and was hoping someone could enlighten me on this. thanksAnyone have some advice as to fasting and sleep deprivation for spiritual growth?
These are techniques that have been used successfully by shamans, mystics, and prophets throughout history -- mainly to achieve visions. These are potent and powerful techniques, but definitely not recommended for the inexperienced. For one thing, this can be physically dangerous for you if you don't know what you're doing, or have the proper guidance. Secondly, if you don't already have experience in meditation, these extremes will probably be more distracting than helpful. Thirdly, these techniques are meant to be temporary and infrequent. In regular practice, adequate sleep and nutrition are seen as being more beneficial, both physically and spiritually. Instead, I would recommend a disciplined meditation practice. Set aside time each day to sit in meditation. Also keep a record of your dreams, as this will give you some insight into yourself, and could be a safer vehicle for obtaining spiritual messages. Lastly, a balanced diet and healthy sleep schedule will not only help you to be healthier physically, but more balanced mentally, and more connected spiritually. Fasting and sleep deprivation can be useful, but only for those who are already experienced in some disciplined spiritual path.





Learn to meditate first, instead.Anyone have some advice as to fasting and sleep deprivation for spiritual growth?
I am very spiritual myself, but never understood or agreed with this practice. Even the Buddha apparently did stuff like this, but he didn't achieve enlightenment this way.
i guess it makes u a stronger person at heart but i doubt spiritually.
Those are common methods of torture and will produce hallucinations at the extremes. Spiritual growth? Hardly.
Fasting is a way of showing GOD you want new perspective and better focus on him,the bible does not have scripture that requires it ,but in the book of ACTS believers did it before making important decisions, in my opinion you should do the Daniel fast first,then ask for guidance from our father from there.
Yes: don't. They will simply mess you up physically and mentally.





CD
Sleep deprivation is torture but as for fasting, as a Muslim. They fast for a month (eating only a little bit at certain times) during Ramadan (or some other holiday. Sorry I am ingnorant of Islam) and I have heard they find great spirituality doing it. We (Jews) fast on certain days but never for more than 24 hours. Personally, I get no spiritual lift from it in the ';enlightening'; sense of the word.


Try asking your question in the travel section under the arab states or israel. You will find both Jews and Muslims in large numbers there. This is a questions I think a follower of Islam might know best.


Good luck.
I once was up all night doing a school project and saw demons in the corners of my eye. I ate pizza and chips though, so I obviously wasn't getting the full spiritual impact