Desireless, serene, immortal, self-existent, contented with the essence, lacking nothing, is He. One has no fear of death who has known Him, the Atman - serene, ageless, youthful.
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.
There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts.
The role of religion is to make one righteous and loving. Politics means caring for people and their welfare. When religion and politics don’t coexist then you have corrupt politicians and pseudo-religious leaders.

