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.
Come behold this world, which is like unto an ornamented royal chariot, wherein fools flounder, but for the wise there in no attachment.
Words can confer strength; they can drain it off; Words can gain friends; they can turn them into enemies; words can elevate or lower the individual. One must learn the habit of making one’s words sweet, soft, and pleasant.
The real bath is to remove the dirt of the mind. Cleanliness is control of the senses. True wisdom is to see oneness everywhere.
