Haven't I thought until now that I can be finally capable of doing it and completing it too. I believe this to be one of the greatest achievement of mine. This period in surface seemed quite achievable, but in reality it was the toughest for me though the time was just for 1400hrs per day until the new day starts and then we could take breakfast. My determination would sometimes be so low that I would think of nearly giving up, but with faith and good intention I made it through.
The first day of the lunar month started with the prayer and the blessing from Rinpochhe . I remember, being a bit reluctant but my friend, who is so religious in nature called me again and again until I joined😊. Then after with the prostration along with some prayers and blessings, the mission started. I indeed promised! to follow the instructions and carryout this mission till a month. I doubted myself 🤔 wondering, "will I make it"?
So, why did I take part then?
This period was a time to check my patience. First few days, Oh My God! even If I do not take dinner nor I take any snacks after lunch, this period due to compulsion felt as if I would die without having to eat... The crazy flow of saliva felt through my mouth seeing any type of edible stuff and even those snacks, which I am not fond of eating. Forget about the temptation after seeing food, even without seeing and just a thought of food lingering in my head made me craze for food. I just felt like running down to "7 Eleven" and take a bite of all the snacks gluttonously. Crazy huh! 😆
To come back to why I promised to pratice is purely because I thought this to be a good deed that can at least help me earn some good Karma. The fact I believe that I am not good of doing other good deeds. So, this religious month was an auspicious and good starting for a journey through a religious fasting. The religious month of Saga- Dawa, is a very auspicious day for the Buddhist. It is the day where all the Buddhist community comes together by practicing dharma in their own ways. They do prayers ( chant mantras), visit temples, light up butter-lamps, circumambulate the holy plays, go for pilgrimage, etc...
So, though the journey was a bit tough for me, the satisfaction I felt is a greatest achievement. Therefore, looking forward to do the same next time possibly. 😊
