Keep your body as clean as possible, your mind as clear as possible. That’s all you need. And do it in any way you can, in your own way. It doesn’t matter. And then you’ll be useful.
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.
Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?
When you are inspired by some great purpose, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world.
