A disciple in training will comprehend this earth, the realm of death and the realm of the gods. A disciple in training will investigate the well-taught Path of Virtue, even as an expert garland-maker picks flowers.
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.
All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If you speak or act with an evil thought, pain follows. If you speak or act with a pure thought, happiness follows, like a shadow that never leaves.
Some call on the Lord, “Rama”, some cry, “Khuda”, Some bow to Him as Gosain, some as Allah; He is called the Ground of Grounds and also the Bountiful, The Compassionate One and Gracious.
A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.
