We are responsible for what we are, and whatever we wish ourselves to be, we have the power to make ourselves.
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.
World peace can blossom throughout the length and breadth of the world only when the world-peace-dreamers, world-peace-lovers and world-peace-servers desperately, sleeplessly and breathlessly long for the full manifestation of peace here on earth.
Compassion is fellow feeling or sorrow for the sufferings of another. Compassion opens the door for freedom and expands the heart. It melts the hardened and makes people as soft as butter.
