By self-study, by observing, by being hollow and empty, you become a channel - you become a part of the Divine. You are able to feel the presence of Divinity. All the different angels and devas, all these different forms of our consciousness, start blossoming.
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.
Only by doing good can one benefit. Those who detach themselves from ‘bad’ and yearn for ‘good’, dedicate their lives to God…and to service of scholars shall be blessed.
O, swear not by the moon, the fickle moon, the inconstant moon, that monthly changes in her circle orb, Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.
