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(Because of not requiring treatment), the physicians do not treat such persons as are satisfied with the food beneificial to spiritual practices, with the limited choice of that food and with a little quantity of limited food. In fact, they are the physicians of their own mind.
(Six kinds of) tastes should not be consumed excessively. Very often these tastes work for persons as the excitors of bad emotions and (consequently) varied base desires harass the excited person, as diferent birds disturb the tree laden with lasteful fruits.
Because of (the choice of) dwelling which has been devoid of depravities, because of developing controlled posture, because of consuming a little quantity of food, because of restrained senses, the enemy of attachment does not perturb the mind of a judicious man, as the enemy of disease eradicated by medicines does not attack the cured persons.
One should pursue the spiritual path, as long as old age does not afflict, disease does not grow and the senses do not decline.
(22) Of the Two Modes of Life
(For social growth and one's own unfoldment) only two paths (modes of life) have been pronounced by the Arahantas (embodied spiritually perfect personalities) who are devoid of birth, death and old-age. (The traveller on the one path) (has been called) authentic Sramaņa (saint) and (the traveller on the other path) (has been called) authentic Sravaka (householder).
In the life of the householder two things, namely, offering of gifts and paying of reverence to ethico-spiritual personalities are prominent. Even without any one of them, no persons are styled 'Srāvakas' (householders). In the life of the saint two things, namely, performance of meditation and pursuance of study are predominant. In the same way even without any one of them, no body is styled Sramaņa' (saint).
Samanasuttaṁ-Vol. I
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