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.
With a genuine keenness or readiness to serve others, one can attain happiness in any group or community, and the eagerness to serve others will endow you with the power and skill necessary for the required service. Nowadays, we tend to regard it as derogatory to serve, but there is great worth in service.
You have come from God, you are a spark of His Glory, you are a wave of that Ocean of Bliss; you will get peace only when you again merge in Him.
Come behold this world, which is like unto an ornamented royal chariot, wherein fools flounder, but for the wise there in no attachment.
