A leader must be established in higher values, and be able to communicate her vision to the people. A leader must have impeccable character and be above reproach. She must be dedicated to the welfare of the people, not be driven by self-interest!
Words have the power to both destroy and heal. When words are both true and kind, they can change our world.
Both the good and the pleasant present themselves to a man. The calm soul examines them well and discriminates. Yes, he prefers the good to the pleasant; but the fool chooses the pleasant out of greed and avarice.
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.
