First we’ll talk about abstinence of womb, which opposes gluttony of womb; then likeness stations and the way and amount of dishes. And we do not from us we will tell, but as we have received from the Fathers. They did not leave a single canon of fasting, no single image of sharing dishes, no one size fits all. Because not all have the same strength and the same age; and then because of some weakness, or themselves more delicate body, but one thing they appointed them all to flee gluttony and saturation womb. And fasting every day have thought it more useful and helpful for purity, than three or four days, or than stretched up to a week. For I who stretch beyond measure fasting all over as often and food is used. Because it happens that sometimes, fasting weakens the body and makes the spiritual idle for jobs; and sometimes by the abundance of food, it makes it difficult and gives rise to the soul recklessly and enervation.

Parents have be tried and that not everyone is suited eating greens or vegetables or crumbs I can not use all the food. Parents and said that one eating two liters of bread is still hungry and another eating a pound, or six ounces, is satisfied. So, as I said before, he gave them all one rule for restraint: not to deceive anyone saturation womb and not to be stolen pleasure throat. Because not only distinguish kinds, but the quantity and size make them lighter meals arrows fornication. For any kind of nourishment shall be filled womb, born the seed of fornication; Also do mind not only the vapors of wine to get drunk, but water saturation, and abundance of all kinds of foods a softens and makes sleepy.

In Sodom steam wine, or of various dishes brought destruction, but gluttony bread, as the prophet says. The weakness of the flesh does not harm the purity of heart when the body is not what He will give pleasure, but what you ask weakness. Recipe only that we serve, how to live, not to make ourselves slaves impulses of lust. Food reward without measure and account gives health body, not take them holiness. Abstinence rule and canon sat Fathers, it is He who partakes of any food to depart from it until still has lust and not wait to be fed. And the Apostle saying, “do not do body care to cravings” never stopped the needful organizing of ​​life but the loving care of pleasures. Besides the total purity of the soul not only refraining from food reach, if not add to it and other virtues. Therefore by listening with humility and body work brings great advantages, self guides the soul to love silver purity, when means not only a lack of money but lack of appetite to take them. Refraining from anger to sorrow, from vainglory and pride, rendered whole purity of the soul. And partial purity of the soul, the righteousness, temperance inflict great chip and fasting. For it is impossible for one who has had enough stomach to be able to fight in accord with the demon fornication. That is why our first fight we have to curb the stomach and subjecting the body not only by post but also by vigils, fatigue and readings; then bringing heart to the fear of hell and yearning for the kingdom of heaven.

St. John Cassian, About the eight thoughts of evil