Knowledge is structured in consciousness. The process of education takes place in the field of consciousness; the prerequisite to complete education is therefore the full development of consciousness enlightenment. Knowledge is not the basis of enlightenment, enlightenment is the basis of knowledge.
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.
Our aspirations, our affections, and our desires are turned towards the wrong things. And only when we turn them towards the right things will things get better.
