If man has nothing to eat, fasting is the most intelligent thing he can do. If, for instance, Siddhartha had not learned to fast, he would have had to seek some kind of work today, either with you, or elsewhere, for hunger would have driven him. But as it is, Siddhartha can wait calmly. He is not impatient, he is not in need, he can ward off hunger for a long time and laugh at it. Therefore, fasting is useful, sir.
Hermann HesseEvery sin already carries grace within in, all small children are potential old men, all sucklings have death within them, all dying people - eternal life. The Buddha exists in the robber and dice player; the robber exists in the Brahmin.
Hermann HesseThe world was beautiful when looked at in this way-without any seeking, so simple, so childlike.
Hermann HesseIt was lovely, and tempting, to exert power over men and to shine before others, but power also had its perditions and perils.
Hermann Hesse