Philosophy George Piotrowski

A few years ago, George Piotrowski unexpected health problems. Being an opponent of all sorts of pills and potions, Yuri, without further ado, I decided to resort to therapeutic fasting. But, try to control myself, when out of the kitchen waft delicious smells, and his wife, Barbara carefully suggests, "Ure, maybe, after all, change your mind?" To avoid temptation, Piotrowski traveled to southern Germany and Austria. He moved hitchhiking. No money, no bank cards are not taken. Food, of course, too ...
- I did it for reasons of principle, determined to not only improve health, but also to check himself - says Yuri.
- And as a test?
- In my opinion, passed with flying colors, although I confess that the first stage was difficult.
- And how do you survive without food?
- 44 days. At the same time, she lost 20 pounds and completely recovered.
- I'm sorry, Yuri, but I do not believe that, without any preparation, you could not have 44 days!
- Why no training? Therapeutic fasting I have taken a great interest in Russia. And here are just perfect in this method.
- How?
- Extremely simple, but very effective. I'll try to explain.
29 July last year, I turned 50. In honor of this overlooked the general public, but this is not lost for me the date, July 30, that is, the very next day, I went to a 50-day trip to Germany ...
- and that, too, with no money and no food?
- This time - with the money, but do not hurry with questions - he'll tell you everything.
So, in 50 days I have been in 18 major cities, 20 small, walked 150 kilometers along the coast of the Baltic Sea and 100 kilometers - in the Bavarian Forest.
An important point: to travel and overnight I spent no pfennig. With him took 500 marks - a rate of 10 marks for the day. Basically, I spent it on the cultural program, that is, to visit museums, bus tours to the cities, as well as to food.
- How do you move from one city to another?
- Extremely easy. For long distances, I usually went by train on a Saturday or a Sunday, when there are discount tickets, which can simultaneously drive five people.
He was in the car, looking around and be sure to find one or two nice people. Presented, explained who I was, at the same interest, they will not take me to the companions. And believe me, believe me, was not the case, that I have given up.
Actually, as I was, the Germans - very responsive and kind people ready to help not only our neighbor, but also a complete stranger.
- Where did you sleep?
- During his 50-day stay 40 nights I slept on the stairways in dwelling houses, 8 nights - in hostels for the homeless, and 2 nights - in Catholic monasteries.
The hostels for the homeless I gave myself up: wash, washed, dried things. But there is, unfortunately, will certainly ask the documents.
When I charge against them, it turns out that I have a house in Munich, as well as bank account. On this basis, I refused to spend the night, but, sometimes, were in the position of the experimenter, and provide bed.
As for the Catholic monks, the people are very hospitable so I can not name them. I spent one night in a monastery near Straubing, and another - near the town of Halle, in Saxony-Anhalt.
Believe me, in their mansions could put soldiers in the regiment, but lived there for only a few monks. And, for all that, they allowed me to hold them for only one night, and I am, first, - the traveler, and, secondly, - close to them, it would seem, in the spirit man.
- Could you explain how, in a particular case, choosing a place to stay?
- With pleasure. Moreover, that is my experience, I think, can be useful and to other travelers.
So, finding myself in a strange city, I never get nervous and do not torment myself with the thought, where am I going to sleep tonight.
Hours at 10-11 pm I'm trying to get into the city center to the area, built decent houses.
So, moving on the street, I turn push door entrances - so long until I have unlocked. Then, go up to the top floor and was located on the night.
Fortunately, entrances in Germany are not the same as in Russia. They are always clean, warm and even cozy. I pick rugs that are at the entry door, lay them on newspaper and sleep strong and healthy sleep.
I wake up early, so as not to disturb the owners, to lay mats in places and leaving.
- What, have not experienced before in history?
- get caught. When faced with any of the tenants, who took me for who I actually am not, that is, for a tramp.
- I think the police called?
- and it has happened. I do not remember exactly, but I think five or six times the tenants was caught me sleeping on the floor, and of course were shocked by this fact.
- How do they handle it in this case?
- A middle-aged man asked me if I was not hungry. Actually, I was not hungry, but decided to see what the reaction would be, and I said that a cup of tea will not give up.
After a while, he appeared on a platform with a tray on which stood a coffee pot, milk jug, cup and rose a hill sandwiches, as well as lay a starched napkin.
The appetite supper, I called at his door and gratefully returned a tray of tea, and he wished me good night.
But there was quite an opposite case. In Leipzig, I decided to spend the night in one very rich in appearance mansion. I went - a marble staircase, carpeted, sculpture, palm trees in tubs, stair size of my apartment. The grace of a word.
went up to the top floor, sat on a rug, and suddenly, at about 11 pm, opened the door of one of the apartments on the ground out people, as I understand it - the guests.
seeing me lying under a palm tree, they put it mildly, have expressed dissatisfaction with this fact. They called the owner. Someone jumped as the devil-box, yelled, "Get out!", And even lightly kicked me with his foot. I, in no way frightened, apologized and dignified place a mat in place and become shoe sneakers.
Seeing me better, and realizing that I'm sober, owner calmed down. Well, I, meanwhile, briefly explained to him who I was, where and what do I do in this city.
Here man finally calmed down, but I have to spend the night, though, has not left. Carried down to the door, a friendly slapped on the back and wished him a pleasant journey.
- And where did you spend the night?
- Fifteen minutes later, I found another unlocked door.
But, at other times, in Lübeck, on the staircase I stumbled on a young man. It was about midnight, I was asleep.
The guy told me nothing, but ten minutes later, I hear a rumbling below, the lights go out and I was raised by the police. Strong, you know, these guys are ready at any time to move from words to deeds.
First, they checked my documents, established the identity of the computer, and then asked, "Tell me, please, but in Russia it is possible to sleep in someone else's porch?" And I told them proudly said that Russia can be everything!
Then they explained to me that in Germany to do so, in any case, do not. And, very tactfully, without any threats or insults. And then asked to leave the house.
Then I asked if I could spend the night in the police? Naturally, they waved their hands, they say, no, no. Then I asked them to drop me to the nearest hostel for the homeless.
- lift?
- None. But the address given and explained how to get there. By the way, the hostel was in a nearby street.
general, take this opportunity to say that the police in Germany are very respectful of people, including foreigners. Of course, if you do not hamish and disorderly.
- How evolved is your relationship with "colleagues"?
- You mean traveling?
- Yes. Well, the homeless, of course. By the way, who among them do you think, and more - the Germans or foreigners?
- On my way there are only Germans. Relationships with them folded, in most cases, normal, though, and sometimes had to fend for themselves.
- with their fists?
- and it has happened.
- And what was the cause of conflict?
- I have to say: that I was a foreigner, does not matter. Rather, it was a normal man showdown.
- Tell us about German homeless, who were met. Who are they? Why are a way of life?
- In Berlin, I met a man who condemned himself to a homeless life for the dog. The fact is that in a hostel for homeless people with dogs are not allowed, and so, for many years he was not to throw each other, sleeping under bridges, in parks and even cemeteries.
But in general, people with special outlook and attitude. Money for them, a prestigious job, comfort and the opinions of others - do not mean much. Their philosophy - akin to the east.
In my view, the concept of "work" in the West and the East are very different. Let me explain with an example. One morning in Hamburg, at 6 am, I went to wash and shave in the toilet diner "McDonald's." Doing this I found a cleaner.
She cried out, "What are you doing? This - not barbershop! "I told her cultural answer:" Sorry, but after all, no queues at the toilet. And anyway, you still empty. And the barber shop I have no money. "
it I immediately started to read morality: "You have to work! Disgraceful! "It is in this fact:" You have to work to earn "- is precisely the main difference between the Western world from the east ...
- I'm sorry to interrupt, but in Russia the principle of "Who does not work shall not eat" is more in vogue than in Germany. There is no social agency that you feed, clothe and even provide shelter.
- In Russia - yes. But, speaking of the East, I mean, not her, but China, India and Tibet.
There, under the word "work" means the process of improving the mind and body, I follow. But, every activity aimed at getting money and, consequently, improving economic conditions - is not welcome.
By the way, I think that the example of the U.S. and Western Europe is clearly evident of the consequences of the so-called "achievements of civilization," as degraded under their influence society.
Comfort and too well-fed life very negative effect on the human nervous system. People get lazy, indifferent, less resourceful, unable to fend for themselves and for their loved ones.
exacerbates crime, the number of different sexual perverts and because they seem strange diseases too. Primarily related to overexertion of the nervous system.
And, as a result, we are seeing the most "decay of capitalism", which said once the Bolsheviks and Communists, followed by, you absolutely must follow the "collapse of imperialism."
But it will happen, I think, is not for the Marxist-Leninist theory, and owing to the degradation of people who created a kind of comfort idol.
- So, what do you do? Is there any chance for salvation?
- Sure. This is - a deliberate and voluntary renunciation of all kinds of civilization.
- Yes ... It is hard to voluntarily give up the blessings.
- It's not that difficult if you know, for what you do.
- Simply put, you - an adherent of austerity?
- You could say that. After all, philosophers, ascetics, just, calling on their followers to live not only extremely modest, using extremely small, but always and will harden the body is exposed to the constant mental stress.
agree that when people look at you with disdain and disapproval constantly condemn your lifestyle, test it - not an easy task.
- Agreed.
- But, thus, overcoming his own pride and arrogance, a man, in any case, shall not be humiliated. It is in this sense a great philosopher.
After all, reaching out for help, you do not beg, but to give people around you a unique chance to make a good action - to help another!
- And yet, what is the meaning of your travels so unusual? The desire to test himself, to improve health, and maybe you just want to look like the original?
- The meaning is to try to follow the theory of asceticism.
After all, comfort - it is the same drug. And, getting dependent on it, we, as addicts, become weak-willed, lazy, painful, suspicious, irritable.
What shortens our life together. And it is, you see, is beautiful. But only after becoming an ascetic, I truly understand and experience it.
- Do you know many people who adhere to the canons of the theory of austerity?
- Not much, but I know. During the journey, I regularly meet with them, talk, chattering. But that I was truly surprised and upset, is the total absence of ascetics pilgrims among monks. When I started talking to them about it, they just stopped talking.
- That is, the ascetics of them you have not met?
- What is there! Their rest - more like upscale hotels, and food no modest one that served in expensive restaurants.
- But we will not, as they say, cut all the monks with the same brush.
- In fact, we will not. Therefore, the hope of meeting kindred spirits among them I retain.
- Tell me, Yuri, you happen to be a vegetarian?
- None. But eat meat only once a week.
- How long have you started to travel in such an unusual way?
- still a student, when he lived in St. Petersburg.
- And in Germany as a hit?
- accidentally. In 1992, I came to Germany in the hope of a job. The fact that I - a professional dancer. And so, in a Munich tantsklubov I met my current wife Barbara. She - a U.S. citizen, teaches French, fluent in German, Chinese ...
- And now, perhaps, also a Russian?
- Yes, it is generally easy given languages.
- And how was your family life?
- Together we have seven. Live, what is called, in perfect harmony.
- Barbara also an ascetic?
- Here is this - more difficult. Fast she did not want to travel without money - too. But, I do not lose hope to change her mind.
- Yuri, what is your record of duration of fasting?
- 44 days. By the way, Jesus fasted for 40 days, the prophets Moses and Isaiah - also for 40 days.
- And what do you say - is not arrogance?
- No way! I did all this is done solely for the sake of their beliefs.
- Tell me, how do you manage to resist and do not interrupt the hunger strike?
- The first three or four days is really difficult. And then, the body, as it were, goes to the inner self, that is, in the course are their own fat, and no hunger, I do not feel it.
Somewhere, on the thirtieth day, there is a weakness and I can not work, just walk. Well, look, respectively.
- Yeah, I remember. Look you are after a record hunger strike, not the best way. And, as we reacted to all this, Barbara?
- She was not at home - she flew to her sister in London, so I seized the moment. Well, when my wife came back and saw me, I nearly fainted.
- no wonder ...
- But, as I was then! Spirit grew stronger, the body has become flexible skin - elastic. All the internal organs have earned no worse than the best Swiss watch! ..
- Yuri, you're lucky?
- I'm not just happy, and infinitely happy. I have everything for it, and most importantly - have faith.

Alexander Fitz 2001

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