________________ Siddhi and Purity are linked together and work hand-in-hand. One must learn to grow and uproot as well as uproot and grow. By fasting, bad qualities are uprooted, however, nothing is planted. We have to learn to uproot by fasting; thereafter, what should we sow? This is a very important and challenging question. In Paryushan, we do 8-day fast (atthai), one-month fast (maskhaman), etc. It is easy to fast - one does not have to eat. We gain control over our weakness for food and detach ourselves from it. No food... no problem. But the following day, we again redevelop our weakness for food. We managed to uproot the urge for food only for the period of fast but didn't grow anything efficient and substantial after uprootingit. Love and hatred are uprooted, but what should be planted? People in our society have learnt to uproot, but have not yet learnt to plant. We do not know what to plant. Hence, our sadhana is not successful. We still suffer from a sense of failure as far as spiritual accomplishments are concerned. Sadhana is successful only when one can uproot and plant simultaneously. Once we know what to sow and nurture, we will progress towards achieving liberation.
