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.
Learn to make the whole world your own. No one is a stranger, my child; this whole world is your own.
There are no greater treasures than the highest human qualities such as compassion, courage and hope. Not even tragic accident or disaster can destroy such treasures of the heart.
The human body is sacred – the veritable tabernacle of the divine spirit which inhabits it. It is a solemn duty of mankind to develop, protect and preserve it from pollution, unnecessary wastage and weakness.
Human beings protect the purity of manmade temples. Similarly, looking after the sanctity of this human body, a temple created by God, should become a spiritual endeavour that is of utmost importance.
When you chant the Name, it actually moves through your whole being - purifying you, bestowing grace, and making you sacred…Chanting breaks down the barriers between you and your own heart.
Do not take this material world so seriously because it is always changing. Something terrible that you take so seriously today is going to change tomorrow.
Things that are real are given and received in silence. God has been everlastingly working in silence, unobserved, unheard, except by those who experience His infinite silence.
Travel light on your journey in life. Your desires and expectations are heavy baggage which slow you down and thwart your progress. Let them go.
Character is formed from the repeated choice of thoughts and action. Make the right choice-you shall have a firm and noble character.
