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.
Many good sayings are to be found in holy books but merely reading them will not make one religious. One must practice the virtues taught in such books in order to acquire love of God.
The devotee engages to the best of his or her ability into the play of life, fulfilling his or her role on this earth as student, employee, husband, wife…But at the heart of the devotee is a burning desire for the Lord.
Good judgment comes from experience and often experience comes from bad judgment.
