I’ve been reading your site for a short time now, and I’ve got a question. I havn’t yet found anywhere on this site any real description of what enlightenment is. So, what is enlightenment? What the hell is this thing everyone seems to be looking for?
Not much has changed over the last few days. The sudden pulse of energy has tapered off into an even level. I was extremely active for two days and am very physically tired. I’ll update in a longer post tomorrow.
Today, functioning was really unbelievable. The height of energy and focus were off the charts.
Energy
Last night I slept for almost ten hours, and it was great. I don’t normally set an alarm or plan to be up early on Sundays anyway, so no foul. 
Energy levels were not necessarily high or low in the morning; just an even flow. But by mid-afternoon it was like someone detonated explosives inside the mind. My brain was on fire. The energy was (and still is now) almost unbelievable. This is as potent as any stimulant I have ever had, but without the frenzied perceptions.
I have been checking my heart rate from time to time, and there has been no significant change. It is actually slightly lower than normal. And even so, this energy makes me feel like I could jump from rooftop to rooftop. It is a very unusual feeling.
Focus
Focus levels in the morning were normal and consistent. But once again by mid-afternoon, focus came to a point so clear and unperturbed, distraction became an imaginary experience.
I tried to think of ways to describe this feeling, and the best way might be to imagine a master archer taking her shot. She raises the bow, sights the target, and then there is that moment where it is no longer her or the bow, but pure connection and the vast space of focus. Then the arrow is loosed from the bow.
The focus present in this organism is the same as that moment right before the arrow is released. And it is every moment.
But there is no shot to take.
Tomorrow
I will try to go back to a more normal schedule and see if this state continues into it. I’ll wake up around 4:30 AM, take a walk for 45 minutes to an hour, then get to work on projects I have purposely put aside for the last eight days.
I’ll let you all know how it goes.
I have a little bit of catching up to do, but not much changed over a period of two or three days.
Day 5
Energy levels were fairly even, but still low compared to a non-fasted state. A few times during the day I felt close to vomiting. Well, not really close but maybe a 6 out of 10.
This was the first day with absolutely no desire for food. It just was not there.
Day 6
I woke up again with no desire for food. It was a very “even” feeling. No ups or downs; just a clean morning awakening. I felt good.
This feeling continued until the evening, around 9:00 pm. Then I crashed hard. My perceptions were very confused, my vision was a bit shaky from time to time, and I had an almost constant “out of body” feeling. But through all of this I still had no desire for food.
On the plus side, I fell asleep in no time and was able to wake up much in the same way.
Day 7
Energy Levels
I woke up with no problems. The beginning of the day was slow, but after a few hours energy levels spiked sharply. This surprised me. I went out for a walk for two hours, and after returning home had no problems at all. As I write this I still feel fine.
I may be over the hump. From what I have read, it takes the body 4 to 7 days to adapt to this new way of living. Now at day 7, this seems to be the case. I feel almost “normal.” 
Calories In Liquid
I have done some calculations, and each day I am taking in 100 to 150 calories. This is just from the various drinks I make for myself throughout the day. I guess, technically, it is not a water fast, but this is fine and suits my purposes well. (I drink mostly tea, by the way)
My tip for water intake during a fast: slightly more than enough. If you go crazy drinking massive amounts of water, it will come out…possibly in a way you might not enjoy. Let’s call it a kind of over-consumptive diarrhea. This was the case for me, as during the first few days I drank liters of water every day. But after I adjusted my intake, it resolved itself nicely.
But don’t worry too much about your water intake. Drink at regular intervals and don’t be stingy with the amount. You’ll do fine.
Focus
Attention is regulating itself and one’s focus is lifting back into place. I can’t be sure (yet), but I think tomorrow will be the first day of “regular” functioning. We’ll see how it goes.
Concentration on the words is not a chore like it was a few days ago, and the gap between the mental and the physical is closing up. I feel I can finally get to work soon on the purpose of this fast. Of course, reporting the effects of fasting on the mind includes this information, but the real reason is to see how things arise after the adaptation period has passed.
Clarity
I don’t know if I should call this “clarity,” but creative ideas seem to arise easier. I have only noticed a very small change (or alteration?) in how these things come and go, so it is too early to say for sure.
The Rising Dragon
The morning breath is not as bad as it was before, but it has not completely subsided. It still rises up from time to time throughout the day. And as far as the coating on the tongue, it is not as bad either. It is still there somewhat, but is reduced with each passing day.
I am still quite friendly with the toothbrush.
The Process
It is very important to allow these things to happen as they will. This process of fasting is not really pleasant (so far), but I can’t wish for it to be any different. If you are hungry, you are hungry. If there is pain, there is pain. The body has enough work ahead of it and your resistance will not make matters any better. Just accept that these things may come to pass.
I am excited to see what happens tomorrow.
Everything from Day 3 has carried over into Day 4, but it is slightly less intense. I feel like I am hovering between two worlds; I am tired but have this great energy, and both can’t seem to get along. There is some physical confusion.
It is the end of the third day of my fast, and it is all suspiciously easy. I have been drinking plenty of fluids, and have no worries of being at risk for a vitamin or mineral deficiency. But I have a few notes that may be of interest.
The Toothbrush: Your New Best Friend
Each sunrise has brought with it the most ungodly morning breath. If you plan on being active during your fast, or if you will be around others for extended periods of time, please do them a favor and bring your toothbrush along with a travel size tube of toothpaste. It might just make a difference in your daily life.
Along with the dragon breath, there is a thick coat to the tongue each morning. It is a very thick, mucoid-like material. Your new best friend will help you out with that.
The coat on the tongue only seems to happen in the morning, but the breath rises from the dead every few hours. I have read that both will pass eventually during the fast. I am looking forward to it.
Energy Levels
I seemed to have an abundance of energy throughout the day. I was able to take two walks for one hour each, which surprised me. I don’t plan on having two each day, but if one has the energy, why not?
The evening was a bit rougher, however. As I sit here typing this, it is difficult to write fluidly. You may have noticed this already. Each sentence seems to be a chore requiring a ton of energy. It also seems disjointed and lifeless. This will pass before too long. It is generally the first week of a fast that plays havoc with the functioning of the organism. I have begun to notice this in small ways.
Diminished Focus
Today was the worst day so far concerning one’s ability to focus. It was difficult to gather the focus to just read. Being is of course, unaffected, but the attention or skill needed to perform physical tasks seem to quickly lose momentum. The mechanical processes of the mind seem to take a few seconds more to find their footing. It is a terrible environment for learning something new.
This too will pass before too long, but one needs to be diligent to sit and see this as it arises. It cannot be taken for granted.
Detoxification
I have read on fasting websites that it may take up to two weeks for the bowels to begin a heavy clean-up process. I won’t be overly descriptive, but it seems to be happening already at day 3. It is in no way an elimination of “fresh” material.
It is good that this is happening, but I feel bad for the next person waiting for the loo.
The skin is also more waxen than usual. But this is to be expected at some point of the detoxification process.
Benefits
So far, the greatest benefit seems to be easier sleep. Not only is it easier to fall asleep, but it is much easier to wake in the morning. It is a very “clean” awakening with no remnants of the last night’s culinary indulgences. Going to sleep on a completely empty stomach might be of benefit to one that is not fasting, as well.
Goodnight
It is difficult to continue, so let’s just say goodnight.
Nothing special to report today. Sleep has remained unaffected, and there is still no real desire for food.
For anyone else doing this, I would recommend you always know where the nearest restrooms are.
Day one of my twenty eight day water fast is nearly complete, and I have to say it was very pleasant and unexceptional. Apart from a slight tightness in the upper back, all is well.
I cannot say that today was in any way different from any other day. This physical organism functioned as it normally does, with no increase in hunger or desire for food. Toward the end of the afternoon, the eyes seemed to be increasingly sensitive to light, but it is too early to tell if it means anything at all.
Freedom From Food
There is a sense of physical freedom that comes from the absence of food. It is difficult to explain. There is no need for preparation, no need to decide what to eat, and no need to wait for anyone. One can move in any direction with no need to slow down for sustenance.
There was also an increase in focused energy today. Not necessarily a stimulant type of feeling, but more of an ease into attention. The body is still unsure about how to use this freed energy formerly spent in the act of digestion. I am really looking forward to where it settles.
This reminds me of reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In the various adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Watson explained that Holmes would never eat while in the middle of a case. He didn’t want to waste energy in any direction, and he felt food would be a detriment to his focus. I am beginning to understand what he meant.
Look out, evil-doers!
A Mind Like Ash
As I sat this afternoon, an image suddenly appeared in the mind. There were ashes on the wind. I followed them from their origin, and into oblivion. They began their life as clustered families – a mass of blackened images – and quickly separated into individual slices of gray dancing off into nothingness.
The ashes are analogous to many things. And what they may mean to you are your own business. But too many times, we are given images that we quickly force underground, almost to hide the embarrassment of entertaining childish notions. But please, never take these images for granted. They’ll never hurt you in the way you may wish to use them to hurt others.
Sit with whatever comes, and follow it to the end. Leave the interpretations for others.
Tip of the Iceberg
We are barely underway with twenty seven days left to go. It is a very exciting time, and I look forward to whatever may come.
I am sure there will be more interesting happenings as time goes on, as we are just getting started. So stay tuned.
During February I’ll be conducting an experiment. I am going to fast for the entire month. Not a juice fast or a 15-hour per day fast, but a water fast. Crazy you say? Read on.
Water Fasting
According to wikipedia:
Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. A fast may be total or partial concerning that from which one fasts, and may be prolonged or intermittent as to the period of fasting.
In Takuin’s case, it is an abstention from any and all food. Apart from water and tea.
I will eat no solid food, nor any calorie containing beverages for 28 days.
WHY?
I have thought about doing this for some time, but never really made any preparations before now. I have performed intermittent fasting in the past, and have always been fascinated with the effects it has upon the mind. And that is the real reason: to follow the effects it may or may not have on the mind.
This is not for religious reasons, health, detox, or weight loss (although I am sure there will be a period of detox and weight loss). Honestly, I am just curious to find out what will happen. I want to sit alone, and find out what happens.
Writing the Experience
I will be posting here nearly every day as I go along, and I will be 100% honest about what is happening. Whatever may or may not arise, you’ll read about it.
I won’t say I’ll post every day, but if anything of significance – or apparent significance – arises, I’ll post it.
More or Less Clarity
I won’t say I am expecting an increased state of any kind. And if you have read my writings, you’ll know I am not trying to get a specific result. But I will sit for a few hours each day and write about whatever may happen to come.
If nothing is there, nothing is there. But I have to find out.
The Physical Results
Although I am not doing this for weight-loss or detoxification, I will be taking notes on any physical changes that may occur. (Some of these changes, I am sure, will be gross – or at least, unpleasant. But I’ll try not to gross anybody out!)
I am sure there will be a great change in the body, along with a “re-set” of how this organism craves food. Actually, I am very curious to see how many re-sets will occur.
Supplementation
I am aware of certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies that may occur during an extended water fast, so I will be supplementing a few times here and there. Japan has a wide selection of electrolyte supplements along with vitamins and minerals, so I feel no impending doom over this experiment.
I understand that some of you may feel any supplementation will “kill” the effectiveness of a fast, but I do not see it in the same way. I have been working on this for the last three weeks and feel that I have found a very small selection of supplements that are subtle and innocuous.
One is a very fine vitamin C powder, and the other is a mineral and electrolyte tablet about the size of a baby aspirin. I won’t be taking these very day, but most likely once or twice per week.
I am really not very concerned with becoming deficient in vitamins and minerals. Supplementing once or twice per week should take care of that.
Support
Having supportive friends and family is important for most of us, especially when going through an experiment of this kind. Interestingly, most of my friends and acquaintances are honestly curious to find out what is going to arise. So am I.
But Akiko has been the most helpful. During this fast she has decided to mostly eat foods that I absolutely HATE. She reasons it will keep me from being hungry. It may end up being incredibly helpful.
Feedback from YOU
I am very interested in hearing of your own experiences with fasting, and what you may have taken from it. Please leave your comments below and let all of us know what sort of things you may have gone through. It will be greatly appreciated.
Also, I have been learning to use skype and may have a few conference type calls during the month of February (I assume one can conference call on skype…I am not quite sure as of this writing). If anyone is interested, leave a comment below or send me a message directly via the Contact Page. And these won’t be “I am a guru and you are not” type calls or any of that nonsense. It is just for Takuin and others in this community to get to know one another.
Apart from e-mail, I am a neanderthal when it comes to online communication. 
It All Begins Tomorrow
The fast begins February 1st. If you, or anyone you know, are interested in the results of water-fasting, stay tuned to the blog over the coming month.
I can’t wait to find out what is going to happen.
There is a misconception about dialogues; many people see the end results – the transcripts, the footage, or whatever – and think that is the end. In other words, once dialogue is over, the end result must be the right way to see it. But is that correct? You and I could speak on the same subject 5 different times, and each exploration could be entirely different. It is like jazz. The chord progression is the topic, and the solos are the dialogue. The results are unlimited within a limited background.
Water Fasting – Day 12
(Don’t worry…I did not break my fast with the above meal!)
Today was interesting. It clearly pointed to a problem we must watch out for during a fast.
Dehydration
Certainly, dehydration poses many dangers if one is not careful, but I am not going to mention any of the obvious problems that could arise. Instead, I’ll mention the one thing – brought on by dehydration – that almost ended my fast today.
False Hunger
At one point today I felt an incredible urge to eat. It was an odd sensation; I was not hungry, but I had this very strong desire for food. It carried on for about twenty minutes.
I stayed with it, followed it, and eventually found it to lead nowhere. It was not hunger, or a primal need to survive in the face of hunger. When one sees a feeling for what it is, with no other stories to cloud clear vision, reality stands out. It can only be as it is, regardless of how I may feel. It became clear I needed more water.
I went home and drank a half liter of tea, with another half liter forty-five minutes later. The body woke up and re-energized afterward. But it is interesting; the feeling of false hunger passed when it was seen for what it was. I did not have to wait for the water to take effect.
But in the beginning, it was Akiko that helped steer me in the right direction. So thanks!
Energy
Energy levels have remained high. It is never too much to handle at any one time, and remains relatively steady. They fall just before sleep, which as you can imagine, is very convenient.
Sleeping is very easy. One can fall asleep within minutes of the head hitting the pillow. And the “clean awakenings” happen every morning. Once you’re up, you’re up.
Days 8, 9, & 10
I was extremely active for three days straight, and it took quite a toll on my body. On the 8th and the 9th I went out during the day and night. If you add in the time I normally spend during my walks, I most likely spent 6 hours walking each day. I didn’t really pay attention to the amount of time I walked at the time, but by the evening of the 9th, I realized there was a problem.
I was at the Apple Store in Shibuya with a friend, and suddenly the body began to shut down little by little. (It reminded me of how the crew of the Enterprise would divert power from all non-essential systems to life support in order to survive.) I didn’t want to worry her, so I simply said I was tired and needed to go.
That night I slept for ten hours, and during the next day had a three hour nap. That seemed to fix everything right up.
I have begun to notice that sleep really helps with almost everything during a fast.
Walk On
Full of liquid, I am ready to continue on. I am almost half-way through the experiment, and I am grateful that hunger is not a problem at all.
Even so, I have already begun to plan my meals for March.