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.
When divine vision is attained, all appear equal; and there remains no distinction of good and bad, or of high and low.
There are two ways of passing from this world – one in light, and one in darkness. When one passes in light he does not come back but when one passes in darkness he returns.
By eating meat we share the responsibility of climate change, destruction of forests, and the poisoning of air and water. The simple act of becoming a vegetarian will make a difference to the health of our planet.
