There are many people who fast, whose fast is nothing but hunger and thirst. There are those whose prayer is no better than wakefulness and hardship. The eating and drinking in case of the former and sleeping in the latter’s case is a far better option.
Backward, turn backward,
O Time, in your flight make me a child again just for to-night!
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.
Learning is retained through putting into practice; family prestige is maintained through good behavior; a respectable person is recognised by his excellent qualities; and anger is seen in the eyes.
