Spiritual Practice School
For example, the commandment “do not kill”. As a rule, Christians believe that to observe this commandment it is enough to refrain from killing another person. This is a mistake. One should not treat sacred writings so superficially. It is naive to believe that if a person merely does not kill their fellow humans, they will avoid falling into the hell realm. No. This is not so. By not killing people, a person avoids accumulating only the heaviest, most dangerous karma. However, to not accumlate hell karma at all one must observe the commandment “do not kill” not in the narrow, but in the broad sense. And what does this mean? This means the following: do not cause anyone physical pain, do not kick, do not push, do not hit, do not swing, do not frighten, do not kill people, animals, fish, and insects, do not engage in terrorist activity, do not commit terrorist acts, do not threaten with terrorist acts, do not kill or beat someone who disagrees with you, do not kill or beat someone with a different worldview, do not kill or beat someone of a different religion; since the production of almost any food involves the killing of living beings, therefore do not eat not only fish or meat, but also try to eat as little of any other food products as possible, and likewise try not to feed other people or other living beings (unless it is done to save a life), do not eat or damage seeds, do not damage plants, do not dig the earth, do not mow, lend a helping hand in trouble, do not cause offence, do not take revenge, do not mock, do not oppress, do not be intrusive, do not have an abortion, do not help have an abortion.
The commandment “do not steal” in the broad sense means the following: do not steal, do not rob, do not appropriate by force, do not appropriate secretly, do not ride without a ticket, have a minimum of possessions, do not borrow, do not lend, do not allow non‑payment of debts, do not delay debt repayment, do not take someone else’s things without permission, do not use other people’s things without permission, whenever possible do not use other people’s things, do not appropriate other people’s items or items of common use, especially do not appropriate alms meant for others, do not take what is poorly guarded, do not throw away any food, including leftovers, do not throw away what is edible, do not speed, do not indulge in luxury, do not go on sprees, do not live a life of excess, do not lead a dissolute life, live in poverty, be simple, do not withhold a worker’s deserved pay, do not appropriate surplus value, do not appropriate others’ labour, do not live off the results of others’ labour, do not engage in commerce (an activity whose goal is to earn income), do not appropriate income, spend on yourself (or your loved ones) from the income received only an amount equal to the effort invested, do not appropriate someone else’s property, do not appropriate public property, do not appropriate income from the sale of public property, do not gamble on the stock exchange, in bets, in casinos and the like, do not gamble for money, do not play lotteries, do not use insurance, do not speculate, do not abuse scarcity, invest any excess income obtained due to scarcity fully into eliminating that scarcity, do not attend corporate events, do not appropriate unearned money, do not receive a salary that exceeds the effort you have invested in that work, make donations, do not own more than one house for living, do not accept unearned bonuses or prizes, refrain from excessive consumption of food and drinks, practice intermittent dry fasting.
The commandment “do not commit adultery” in the broad sense means the following: refrain from any sexual activity, do not lose sexual energy in any form, do not have lovers, have intercourse only for the sake of having children, do not cheat on the father (mother) of your child, do not divorce the father (mother) of your child, remain faithful to the father (mother) of your child even after being widowed, do not touch people or other living beings, do not keep animals at home, do not entertain yourself with dancing, music, or attending other entertainment events, do not play computer games, do not play other games or entertain yourself in any other way, do not consume intoxicating substances, do not smoke, do not use drugs, do not use perfumes, cosmetics, or other adornments, do not host feasts, do not use luxurious, large, or soft beds, do not interact with the opposite sex (for the sake of interaction), do not seduce people of the opposite sex, do not have seductive conversations, do not look at people of the opposite sex, do not sleep in the same room with the opposite sex, do not bathe, do not take a shower, do not take a bath, and do not steam with the opposite sex, do not lie on your stomach, maintain your posture, do not entertain yourself, do not enjoy, do not get caught up in taste, sight, smell, hearing, touch, sensation of movement, delicacies, gluttony, satisfy yourself with plain food, do not watch love movies, do not read obscene books, do not read fiction, do not read frivolous and unspiritual books, do not look at shameful images, do not watch erotica or pornography, refrain from seeking impressions, refrain from contemplating interesting things, do not show curiosity, do not admire, do not do empty, meaningless deeds.
The commandment “do not slander” in the broad sense means the following: not a drop of cold, sharp, or evil; do not use foul language; do not swear; do not engage in negative conversations; do not get indignant; do not scold; do not shout; do not argue; do not speak in a raised voice; do not reprimand; do not issue reprimands; do not condemn; do not mention unclean forces; do not insult; do not contradict; do not utter abusive, cruel, or cutting words; refrain from blasphemous statements; do not threaten; speak with reverence and respect; maintain silence in the face of those who offend you; stop feuds and discord in the family (and beyond); do not speak ill of others; do not scold someone to their face; do not speak ill behind someone’s back; do not curse; do not blame other people or circumstances for your own failures or problems; listen to another person when they share their problems with you; do not silence another person; give them the floor; give them an opportunity to speak; do not block anyone on forums or in other social networks, and do not delete other people’s messages (except in cases where those people themselves violate the commandment “do not slander”); report on the deletion of other people’s messages; report on blocking in networks to anyone who asks; answer for your words; answer for your actions; be responsible.
The commandment “do not calumniate” in the broad sense means the following: refrain from criticising anyone (unless absolutely necessary); keep other people’s secrets; do not disclose personal information about others without permission; do not suspect; do not mock; do not make fun of others; do not speak mockingly; do not exalt yourself above others; do not assert yourself at the expense of others; do not become arrogant; do not defend yourself verbally; do not speak haughtily; do not talk about loving yourself; do not speak based on self‑love; be modest; be impartial; do not seek fame; do not seek honours; do not boast; protect the innocent and the righteous.
The commandment “do not lie” in the broad sense means the following: do not lie; do not tell falsehoods; do not be cunning; do not deceive; speak directly; do not idle talk; do not engage in empty talk; do not flatter; avoid jokes; speak only to the point; silence is golden; do not engage in seductive conversations; do not leave another person in error; keep your promises; do not make promises unless absolutely necessary.
One should ensure that the commandments concerning speech are not violated in written or electronic form either.
The commandment “eradicate anger” in the broad sense means the following: do not allow thoughts based on hatred or anger; do not violate the commandment “do not slander” in your thoughts; do not contemplate violating the commandment “do not kill”; especially do not allow yourself maniacal malice; do not get angry; do not allow negative thoughts; stop thoughts of revenge; endure offences; keep your heart from fury; avoid letting your heart be stirred up in rage; forgive offences; love those who offend you; love your enemies; transform innate egoism and self‑love into altruism; abandon the cult of self‑love; do not wish evil; eradicate coldness and indifference; do not fear death; do not kill love; let your love for your neighbours be brotherly, pure, equal to all, impartial, joyful, burning equally for friends and enemies; have the desire to crucify yourself like Christ; do not explode in anger; do not allow your mind to be clouded by malice; stop bitterness; stop irritability; stop obstinacy; stop suspiciousness; stop suspecting evil intent; stop suspecting violations of norms; stop suspecting bad qualities in another person.
The commandment “eradicate greed” in the broad sense means the following: do not allow thoughts based on greed; do not violate the commandment “do not calumniate” in your thoughts; do not contemplate violating the commandment “do not steal”; especially do not allow yourself maniacal greed; do not envy; do not love money; do not desire to become rich; do not think about means of enrichment; do not dream of wealth; do not consider income your property; do not be mercenary; do not be stingy; do not love possessions; do not have a desire to receive gifts; do not become attached to property, real estate, money, or savings; do not have thoughts of ownership of anything in your mind, not even of personal belongings, clothing, or your own body; eradicate the desire to have a nice thing; eradicate the desire to appropriate someone else’s thing; eradicate the desire to take something that is “poorly placed” (easily accessible for theft or lost); hate luxury; do not pursue sciences or arts for the sake of earthly fame; do not despise your neighbour; do not put yourself above everyone; eradicate pride; eradicate the desire to maintain your own life; dedicate yourself entirely to the Absolute.
The commandment “eradicate ignorance” in the broad sense means the following: do not allow thoughts based on ignorance; do not violate the commandment “do not lie” in your thoughts; do not contemplate violating the commandment “do not commit adultery”; especially do not allow yourself maniacal lustfulness; reject hedonism; do not entertain yourself; do not enjoy; do not nurture tender feelings (towards your own activities, conversations, socialising, being in company, resting, clean water, delicious food, food in general, good weather, pleasant experiences, change of surroundings, travelling, tourism, experiences, beauty and the sublime, music and songs, news, anything new); do not show interest in animals; do not have greed for sleep; do not sleep in complete darkness; do not do anything for the sake of outward appearance or beauty; do not touch the altar or other sacred objects without the appropriate ceremony; refrain from ceremonies and actions with the altar or sacred objects that are to be performed only with the left hand; do not damage or throw away icons and mandalas, sacred objects, or portraits of saints; honour saints from all religions; do not give in to ignorance (for example: “it’s no big deal if I’m a bit lazy”, or “it’s no big deal if I relax a bit”, or “it’s no big deal if I break a commandment”, or “it’s no big deal if I lie in bed a bit longer”, or “it’s no big deal if a child does not live with both biological parents”, or “it’s no big deal if a child lives and is raised in a state institution”, or “it’s no big deal if I have an abortion”, or “it’s better to have an abortion than to later abandon your child”, or “it’s no big deal if I go for a walk a bit”, or “it’s no big deal to dream about sensations and desires of the body, soul, and heart”, or “there’s nothing wrong with enjoying lustful thoughts”). Maintain chastity in thoughts; do not put a loved one above the Absolute; do not put an agreement with a person above an agreement with the Almighty; do not put any agreement above the Truth; do not put any foundations above the Truth; do not put any knowledge above the Truth; do not show laziness (the energy of tamas); do not give in to tamas; do not allow agnosticism (thoughts denying the possibility of scientific knowledge of the Absolute, God, the Holy Spirit, nirvana, and other such spiritual foundations); do not deny the existence of the law of karma and reincarnation; do not allow thoughts that deny the Truth (the necessity of eradicating worldly desires, the necessity and benefit of spiritual practice, and other foundations of spiritual practice); inactivity of bodily senses; silence of the mind; repentance; awareness of one’s fall; feeling of poverty of soul and spirit; desire for prayer, solitude, obedience, humility, confession of one’s sins; careful observation of all your deeds, words, thoughts, and feelings; distrust in your own mind; fear of the Almighty; humility; constant self‑accusation and self‑reproach; rejection and forgetting of false customs; abandonment of erroneous traditions, vows, and rules; recognition of one’s own weakness of mind. Suppress the following: sadness, despondency, distress, melancholy, abandonment of hope for your own spiritual growth, doubt in promises, ingratitude towards heaven for everything that happens, cowardice, impatience, lack of self‑reproach, grumbling, renunciation of the feat of laborious spiritual life, inclination to leave your path, evasion of the burden of the cross – the struggle with passions and sinfulness; laziness towards every good deed (especially spiritual ones); abandonment of religious or prayer rules; loss of memory of the Absolute; abandonment of constant prayer (mantra) and soul‑beneficial reading; inattention; haste; negligence; idleness; carelessness; debauchery; indulgence of the flesh through sleep, lying down, and all sorts of ease; seeking effortless salvation; moving from place to place in order to avoid hardships and deprivations; frequent walks and visits to friends; abandonment of bows and other spiritual feats; forgetting your own sins; forgetting the commandments; lack of diligence; self‑justification through being captive to passions; distraction; non‑fulfilment of promises; despair; changeability of temper; indulgence in passions; lack of conscience; becoming like demons in habits and life; lack of zeal; negligence in the spiritual upbringing of children; self‑love; self‑will; hardening of the heart from successes in spiritual growth; reliance on God’s long‑suffering; hypocritical or cunning repentance; sinful life.
Intermittent Dry Fasting
A practice characterized by periods of complete abstinence from both food and any liquids, including water, alternating with periods of normal eating and drinking.
Exercise or the gym – this is, of course, wonderful. Physical exercise allows you to burn excess fat. Sport activates a vigorous metabolism and balances the vitamin levels in the body. That is, it is often the case that the body feels bad precisely because there are too many of some vitamins in the body, while there is a catastrophic lack of others. And sport corrects this imbalance.
Sport burns excess substances in the body and thus brings the body back to a normal state. That is, sport compensates for overeating. A person eats something tasty; as usual, one always wants to eat more of something tasty. And then one has to go to the gym or for a walk, and everything that was eaten in excess of what is necessary has to be burned off. Otherwise, there will be complications, there will be illness, or you will feel very bad. However, one might think: what’s the problem? You eat – you overeat – you do some sport – you solve the problem. And that’s it. That’s it? Yes, not quite. The problem is that with such a turnover of substances, a person wears out their body faster. And most of all, with such a scheme, a person wears out their heart. Because during sports, it is the heart that bears the highest, most wearing loads.
It must be said that not only sport, but also fasting can balance the imbalance of substances in the body. Dry fasting, in fact, is the most ideal way to balance vitamins in the body. That is, for example, if a person practices some kind of diet (not fasting, but precisely a diet), then they will have to add multivitamins to their diet in order to compensate for the inevitable vitamin imbalance that occurs with any diet. With pure fasting, however, it is the opposite. During fasting, the body itself turns into a generator (so to speak) of nutrients and vitamins. That is, the body itself decides which vitamin it needs to produce and assimilate for itself at the moment.
Beings of hell eat five times a day. Animals eat four times a day. Pretas eat three times a day. Humans eat twice a day. Asuras eat once a day. Devas eat every other day. Saints eat every two days on the third. Eating food and drinking water every two days on the third is the most suitable eating regimen for the human body. This kind of nutrition is the most correct and beneficial. Eating food and drinking water more often is incorrect and harmful.
Fasting is a very powerful cleansing agent. It brings the metabolism into order. However, in spiritual practice, it is not the fasting itself or the cleansing of the body that is important. In spiritual practice, one of the main tasks is the awakening of kundalini energy and the raising of kundalini energy to the upper chakras. And this is precisely what intermittent dry fasting does.
On the eating day, you can eat whatever you want and in any quantity. After two days of complete abstinence from food and any liquids – including water – you will be allowed to eat whatever you desire throughout one day, anything you please. Although, of course, it is better not to overindulge.
Dry fasting is a practice that should be performed during any retreat. Switching to intermittent dry fasting is a real path, a real method to find a means of further spiritual growth when unfavourable conditions for this arise, and despite these unfavourable conditions. The practice of intermittent dry fasting allows one: to awaken kundalini, for those in whom it has not yet been awakened; to activate it more steadily, for those in whom it has somehow “fallen asleep”; or, for those in whom kundalini is steadily awakened, this practice will allow one to come close to achieving the level of raja‑yoga.
The practice of intermittent dry fasting exists in both Buddhism and yoga.
During dry fasting, the duration of sleep is significantly reduced.
Intermittent dry fasting significantly increases life expectancy.
Dry fasting cures practically all diseases. Dry fasting is a direct path to samadhi.
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Intermittent dry fasting can be started right away, starting tomorrow, without any build‑up or special preparation – just like any other yogic cleansing technique. You need to fast for two days (it’s not terrible if at first you only manage one day). There will also be no particular problems when breaking such a fast. In principle, if you have doubts about your body, you should break the fast as follows: eat an orange, then an apple, then take a break of at least forty minutes, then eat any regular food. By the second cycle of fasting, the body will already be sufficiently prepared to break the fast without preludes.
Most likely, during the fasting, there will appear a headache, dizziness, or some other unpleasant sensations: pain in certain parts of the body, itching, tingling, an increase in body temperature, or something else. All this is a consequence of the awakening of kundalini energy. During this practice, kundalini energy awakens and rises through the energy channels. In those places where there are impurities in the energy channels, excessive friction arises, and, as a consequence, pain or other noticeable sensations occur. All this must be endured, insofar as this is how your karma is being “washed off”. Continue fasting, and your pain will become softer and softer each time. Do not fear anything you will need to endure.
The dryness of the fast must be strict. If you dilute the dryness with water, the body will not understand that it is fasting. Also, the need to process water will overload the body, which is already weakened by the fasting. During dry fasting, you should not rinse your throat with water to relieve dryness in the mouth. This rinsing will lead to erroneous informing of the body about the supposedly begun intake of water (and, consequently, about the supposedly begun intake of food).
In yoga, they distinguish the cleansing of the body by the elements of earth, water, fire, wind, and space. Each next element in this row is a higher stage, a higher level than the previous one. During dry fasting, the element of fire will be used to cleanse the body. This is precisely why during dry fasting the body temperature will be slightly higher than usual. This is precisely why during dry fasting you must not drink water. This is precisely why during dry fasting you should not allow any cooling of the body, and especially must not allow the body to become chilled. You must not bathe. You should be warmly dressed.
Keeping track of how much time is left until the end of the fast is suffering. Therefore, it is better to distract yourself with some other activities.
The Bible strongly demands that anyone who considers themselves a true spiritual practitioner (an angel of the church) engage in the practice of a ten‑day retreat without food or water. Preparation for a ten‑day dry fast can begin with first switching to a regimen of taking food and water every two days on the third. After one to three months, you can switch to taking food and water every five days for the next five. After another one to three months, you can switch to a ten‑day dry fast. After this, you need to take food and water in the usual regimen for about ten days, and then repeat ten days of retreat again. And so you must continue to repeat the retreat constantly, until achieving liberation. Such a path to achieving liberation is the fastest. And after achieving it, continue this regimen of retreat until the end of life. Such a way of life may at first seem impossible and frightening. However, as it turns out, the human body adapts to such a regimen, quickly gets used to it, and begins to crave it with greater and greater desire.
First, you need to train the body on two‑day fasts. That is, the body of a person who has experience in two‑day intermittent fasting, and the body of a person who does not have such experience – these are completely different bodies. One could even say that these are completely different constitutions. These are different “races”. These are different “animals”. And the rules for one are completely unsuitable as rules for the other.
Those who succeed well in regularly practicing taking food and water every two days on the third should switch to taking food and water every five days for the next five days. Those who succeed well in regularly practicing taking food and water every five days for the next five should switch to taking food and water every ten days for the next ten. On days of eating, take food in your usual regimen and in the amount that you desire.
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Those beings who have experience in intermittent dry fasting will easily understand the following. It turns out that a person can and should be in a state of dry fasting constantly and on a daily basis. It turns out that even on days of eating, the practice of dry fasting does not stop. What does this mean? This means that at the moment when a person takes in food, the body is in a state of absorption. And when a person stops eating, then until the next meal the body quickly readjusts to the fasting mode. The body is in a state of isolated metabolism. However, if one puts something – even something insignificant – into the mouth between two meals, then the body will readjust again and prepare to process this suddenly incoming food. And it is not difficult to understand that all these unexpected changes – the start of intake, then a pause again – force the body to readjust many times without any purpose. They force the body to work in vain. This reasoning is also valid for the case when, in the interval between meals, it is not food but plain water that is taken into the mouth. The longer the interval between meals that gets interrupted, the worse it is. This act of putting something in the mouth takes on a particularly serious character if it interrupts the night‑time interval (and therefore the longest one).