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.
Truly, it is in darkness that one finds the light, so when we are in sorrow, then this light is nearest of all to us.
This is true knowledge: to seek the Self as the true end of wisdom always. To seek anything else is ignorance.
The role of religion is to make one righteous and loving. Politics means caring for people and their welfare. When religion and politics don’t coexist then you have corrupt politicians and pseudo-religious leaders.
