Those who read books cannot understand the teachings and, what’s more, may even go astray. But those who try to observe the things going on in the mind, and always take that which is true in their own minds as their standard; never get muddled.
Doing is very good, but that comes from thinking… fill the brain, therefore, with high thoughts, highest ideals; place them day and night before you; and out of that will come great work.
Fasting in the monastic community is considered an ascetic practice, a “dhutanga” practice. Dhutanga means “to shake up” or “invigoration”. The Buddha, as is well known, emphasized moderation, the Middle Way that avoids extremes, in all things. Fasting is an additional method that one can take up, with supervision, for a time.
I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act.
