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.
Christmas is forever, not for just one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do to yourself.
Scholars who incessantly contemplate acquiring strength and knowledge should also consider it their moral duty to impart knowledge to the ignorant, so that they can develop their mental faculties. This would automatically lead to the latter’s self-development and spiritual progress.
