No 79 of Living Life Series 1
Fasting is not the norm in life. There are many forms and variations. It had predated the religions of the world. Why fast? What purpose does it hold? Perhaps, it reminds us to keep our mouth shut. Sometimes, it is better not to talk or eat.
Likely, this contributes in some way to cleansing of the body (gut) and the mind (thoughts and speech). We learn to hold our tongue and not tongue lash others. Fasting gives leverage to fortify purity of mind and body, especially when done in conjunction with meditation, prayers and worship. It allows us to be spiritually attuned to the wavelength of the saints. Fasting does balance up the scores to make us more humane and somewhat a wee bit nearer to being divine. It minimises tendency to human weakness for oral abuse. Oral abuse come in two ways - "talk too much" or "eat too much".
It will bring out the innate divine or God nature in our core by reminding us what many in disasters face, namely famine, hunger pangs and malnourishment.
Also it will make us more mindful and aware that we should not do the opposite and eat ourselves to obesity and less health.
Hopefully it will enhance in us the love and compassion for life as well.
Brethren, isn't it true in life that we can at times be lopsided, unbalanced, untamed and un-moderated in the use of our mouth. Not surprising that we may not be able to be orally correct in the way we eat, drink or talk. We are not steady, habitual and steadfast in doing so.
Brethren, the occasional fasting as a wholesome religious observance puts the brake on oral indiscretion. Fasting is like a missile to effect course correction in direction of our spiritual as well as non-spiritual life. It puts us on course to a better wholesome life. We learn to hold our tongue more and talk less. This is more so when we are not as wise as we can be.
Lord Bo Tien image portrays him with smile and mouth closed. This is a reminder to be orally discreet and to have pleasant demeanour. His left hand in salutation bids us to be steadfast and to stay on course. His both feet on elements remind us to subdue flattery and gossip (frivolity). From physical health angle, fasting does remind us on one hand not to fatten ourselves and, on the other hand, not to have discomfort of hunger and asthenia. This again illustrates the need for balance in life to steer clear from polar extremes. In this instance, it is about how to balance our oral intake.
Likely, this contributes in some way to cleansing of the body (gut) and the mind (thoughts and speech). We learn to hold our tongue and not tongue lash others. Fasting gives leverage to fortify purity of mind and body, especially when done in conjunction with meditation, prayers and worship. It allows us to be spiritually attuned to the wavelength of the saints. Fasting does balance up the scores to make us more humane and somewhat a wee bit nearer to being divine. It minimises tendency to human weakness for oral abuse. Oral abuse come in two ways - "talk too much" or "eat too much".
It will bring out the innate divine or God nature in our core by reminding us what many in disasters face, namely famine, hunger pangs and malnourishment.
Also it will make us more mindful and aware that we should not do the opposite and eat ourselves to obesity and less health.
Hopefully it will enhance in us the love and compassion for life as well.
Brethren, isn't it true in life that we can at times be lopsided, unbalanced, untamed and un-moderated in the use of our mouth. Not surprising that we may not be able to be orally correct in the way we eat, drink or talk. We are not steady, habitual and steadfast in doing so.
Brethren, the occasional fasting as a wholesome religious observance puts the brake on oral indiscretion. Fasting is like a missile to effect course correction in direction of our spiritual as well as non-spiritual life. It puts us on course to a better wholesome life. We learn to hold our tongue more and talk less. This is more so when we are not as wise as we can be.
Lord Bo Tien image portrays him with smile and mouth closed. This is a reminder to be orally discreet and to have pleasant demeanour. His left hand in salutation bids us to be steadfast and to stay on course. His both feet on elements remind us to subdue flattery and gossip (frivolity). From physical health angle, fasting does remind us on one hand not to fatten ourselves and, on the other hand, not to have discomfort of hunger and asthenia. This again illustrates the need for balance in life to steer clear from polar extremes. In this instance, it is about how to balance our oral intake.
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