Questions to Master Deshimaru

Question

Is there fasting in Zen?

Answer

Yes, but it's not necessary for people in good health. It cleans the body, it's useful sometimes. It is good to fast once a year or once a month. I did when I was younger. It is also good to eat less sometimes, and it is less of a hardship to moderate what one eats than to stop eating altogether. You must not be obsessed by questions of what you eat and drink or don't eat and drink. It is hard for young people to restrict themselves, and no diet should be continued for too long. You should eat everything; then your mind becomes broad and generous. But at the same time you should control, have a little of each thing and not too much of any.