A mountain is composed of tiny grains of earth. The ocean is made up of tiny drops of water. Even so, life is but an endless series of little details, actions, speeches and thoughts. And the consequences, whether good or bad of even the least of them, are far-reaching.
Soul receives from soul that knowledge, therefore, not by book, nor from tongue. If knowledge of mysteries comes after emptiness of mind, that is illumination of heart.
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.
God loved the birds and invented trees. Man loved the birds and invented cages.
Hear good things, see good, do good, think good, then you get the Grace of God, as all the evil tendencies will be uprooted.
Let us unite them together in one supreme power which shall govern us all according to wise laws, protect us and defend all members of the association, repulse common enemies and maintain us in everlasting concord…
