Zend Avesta Part 03

SR No.: 007673
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: L H Mills
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1887
Total Pages: 2618
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 49 MB

Page 2260

I, 23.
REASONS FOR SHAVING.
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the world in order to make the stain of sinful things recede. It is for that reason, my child, that they call me a recluse.'
Why, Sir, dost thou not wear hair as others do ?'
'A recluse shaves off his hair and beard on the recognition of the sixteen impediments therein to the higher life. And what are those sixteen 1? The impediments of ornamenting it, and decking it out, of putting oil upon it, of shampooing it, of placing garlands round it, of using scents and unguents, and myrobalan seeds, and dyes, and ribbons, and combs, of calling in the barber, of unravelling curls, and of the possibility of vermin. When their hair falls off they are grieved and harassed; yea, they lament sometimes, and cry, and beat their breasts, or fall headlong in a swoon-and entangled by these and such impediments men may forget those parts of wisdom or learning which are delicate and subtle.'
And why, Sir, are not thy garments, too, as those of other men?'
'Beautiful clothes, my boy, such as are worn by worldly men, are inseparable from the five cravings. But whatsoever dangers lurk in dress he who wears the yellow robes knows nothing of. It is for that reason that my dress is not as other men's.'
'Dost thou know, Lord, what is real knowledge ?'
• Yes, lad, the real knowledge I know; and what is the best hymn (mantra) in the world, that too I know.'
Couldst thou teach it, Lord, to me too ?'
· This odd idea of the impediments ' in the wearing of hair and beard is in accord both with modern habits of shaving, and also with a good deal of early Christian and mediæval ethics. · The lust of the eye, of the ear, &c.
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