The universe has been created out of knowledge and action and seems also possessed of consciousness.
Whenever there is a decline of righteousness, O Arjuna, and the rise of unrighteousness, then I manifest myself.
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.
If a householder moulds himself according to the circumstances - just like nature moulds itself according to seasons - and performs his karma, then only shall he acquire happiness. One who does this successfully gains in all walks of life.
