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VII, 6, 2.
OF MILINDA THE KING.
351
Book VII. CHAPTER 6. THE SIMILES (continued).
51. THE ROAD SPIDER. 1. 'Venerable Nâgasena, that one quality of the road spider you say he ought to have, which is it?'
Just, О king, as the road spider weaves the curtain of its net on the road, and whatsoever is caught therein, whether worm, or fly, or beetle, that does he catch and eat; just so, O king, should the strenuous Bhikshu, earnest in effort, spread the curtain of the net of self-possession over the six doors (of his six senses), and if any of the flies of evil are caught therein, there should he seize them. This, O king, is the quality of the road spider he ought to have. For it was said, O king, by Anuruddha, the Elder: “His heart should he shut in, at its six doors,
By self-possession, best and chief of gifts, Should any evil thoughts be caught within, Them by the sword of insight should he slay!.”'
52. THE CHILD AT THE BREAST. 2. “Venerable Nâgasena, that one quality of the child at the breast you say he ought to take, [408] which is it?'
Just, О king, as the child at the breast sticks to its own advantage, and if it wants milk, cries for it;
? Not traced as yet.
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