For which of you desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
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.
As rivers flow into the ocean but cannot make the vast ocean overflow, so flow the streams of the sense - world into the sea of peace that is the sage.
Learning is the greater personality of man; it is his hidden and safely deposited wealth; it is the teacher of teachers; it is a kinsman. Learning promotes an indescribable happiness at all times.
