FASTINGFOR THE MIND
Justasthereisfoodforthemind,sotoothereshouldbefastingforthemind.Manypeoplearecon-
stantlytakinginthoughts,feelingsanddesiresfromthetimetheywakeupinthemorninguntilthey
gotobedatnight.Thisisaverydetrimentalwayoflife.Themindswellswithconceptsandthoughts
ofaworldlynatureandthesecausethemindtobeagitated.Oneofthepurposesofsleepistorelieve
thispressuresothatthemindcanregenerate.However,theamountofpressurefromworldlylivingin
conjunctionwiththeimbalancedwayoflifeinotherareas(physicalandspiritual)rendersthemind
weakandperpetuallydisturbed.Thisconstantstateofdisturbanceleadstochronicmentalandphys-
ical problems such as insomnia, worry, uneasiness, and later develop into more severe problems.
Themindneedstohavespace.Oneneedstogetenoughsleep,butthisisnotenough.Onealsoneeds
quiettimetoreflectonlife,togatherone’sideas.Further,one’slifemustbemeaningfulanduseful.
Theremustbeabasisofrighteousnessandtruthinlife,otherwisedeepdownonebecomesdisappoin-
ted and frustrated with life.
Therefore,severaldisciplinesshouldbepracticedaspartofnormallife,topromotementalhealthand
vitality,aswellassharpness,whichleadtodevelopmentofthefacultiesofunderstandingandintu-
ition, which are necessary for spiritual realization.
- Daily–propersleep.Dependingonone’sage(olderpeople
needinglesssleep)andone’slevelofpracticeinmeditation(the
moreoftenandintensethemeditation,thelesssleepisneeded),
one may need from 8 to 4 hours of sleep.
- Quiettime–fastthemindbypracticingfastingofthespeech.
Do not speak for at least½hour per day.
- Spendsometimeeachdayreadingupliftingbooks,orlistening
toupliftingspeeches,etc.,asopposedtonegativeandagitating
booksorshowswhichpromoteviolence,conflictandpassion.So
asyourefrainfromallowingnegativementalfoodstocomein,
put in positive foods also.
- Spendsometimeinquietreflection–notreadingordoingany-