Hear with your ears, that which is the sovereign good. With a clear mind look upon the two sides, between which each man must choose for himself. Watchful beforehand that the great test may be accomplished in our favour.
You look at it, but it is not to be seen; Its name is Formless. You listen to it, but it is not to be heard; Its name is Soundless. You grasp it, but it is not to be held; Its name is Bodiless. These three elude all scrutiny. And hence they blend and become one.
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.
The faith of every man, O Arjuna, accords with his nature, Man is made up of faith; as is his faith, so is he. The threefold austerity practiced with faith by men of balanced mind, without any expectation of reward, is said to be pure.
