If we are mindful of the true nature of reality, then we never truly lose anyone - even to death.
The churning separates the butter from the milk. In the same manner, through cosmic processes and upheavals of heat and cold, the five fundamental elements - earth, water, fire, air and space were separated and Earth, this Ball of Butter, emerged as the product of the churning.
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.
You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.
