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I.
with seeds in it of degeneration and deprivation through wasteful practice of unbridled consumerism. Specific programmes at local levels could be of the following persuasions:
Periodic Fasting
Jains observe fasts without any food intake from one to any number of days. A renowned Jain monk Sahaj Muni created a record of 365 days of continuous fasting with intake of only boiled water drops daily. Fasting keeps you physically in control and spiritually for more motivated. It is not necessary to go in for such austerity for every one. Inter-faith programmes could be drawn up for community fasting for a day or two each month. We would save many scarce food resources for sustaining increasing population.
It is interesting to read the comments on "fasting" by Clare Rosenfield, an American votary of non-violence and nonpossessiveness in my book on "Wave of Bliss".
II.
"Through fasting one day a week, I too, in my own way, am gaining confidence in my health, in being able to be free from the need for food at least one or two days at a time from food freedom from attachment."
Practicing abstinence or voluntary renunciation
All such items of daily use that may involve killing of animals and birds should be avoided. This is very much in line with growing international campaign in favour of not using mink furs or leather articles and the like. In India, renowned Jain Monk Acharya Vidyasagar ji is carrying on a vigorous campaign for banning export of meat and closure of slaughter houses, and encouraging giving up use of leather shoes, bags and such other items. These may appear to be symbolic gestures, but it is through
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