To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others
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.
Scholars who incessantly contemplate acquiring strength and knowledge should also consider it their moral duty to impart knowledge to the ignorant, so that they can develop their mental faculties. This would automatically lead to the latter’s self-development and spiritual progress.
Be of service. Whether you make yourself available to a friend or co-worker, or you make time every month to do volunteer work, there is nothing that harvests more of feeling of empowerment than being of service to someone in need.
