May peace rule the universe; may peace rule in kingdoms and empires; in states and in the lands of the potentates; in the house of friends and may peace also rule in the house of enemies.
One should not injure, subjugate, enslave, torture, or kill any animal, living being, organism, or sentient being. Just as suffering is painful to you, in the same way it is painful, disquieting and terrifying to all animals, living beings, organisms and sentient beings.
Don’t confuse the teacher with the lesson, the ritual with the ecstasy, the transmitter of the symbol with the symbol itself.
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.
