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A king one day thought that, since everyone praises his own religion claiming that it is the only path to liberation, why not conduct a test to find out which is the best. This can only be done by finding out from the respective leaders or gurus. He who is unselfish and subsists on non-obligatory alms is a true guru. Only his religion could be termed the best. After coming to this conclusion, he made an announcement that he wanted to distribute sweets. Many different types of alms seekers arrived. The king asked a group of five, “What do you do for your living?" Their replies were—I live by my mouth. I live by my legs. I live by my hands. I live on mercy of people. I do not bother about living as I am a mudhajivi.
The king said, “I don't understand a word of what you said. Please explain."
One by one they explained. I am a story teller and get alms in return for that; thus I live by my mouth. I am a messenger and get alms in return for that; thus I live by my legs. I am a writer and get alms in return for that; thus I live by my hands. I invoke mercy in people and get alms in return for that; thus I live on mercy of people. I am a nirgranth who has renounced the world. I seek alms with an unselfish attitude just in order to subsist while on the path of discipline. I do not accept dependence on food. Thus I am a mudhajivi. The king bowed and said, "You are a true ascetic," and became his disciple.
Dosavajjiyam-faultless. There are two types of faults related to food—(1) of seeking, (2) and of eating. The first type has already been discussed. The second type has five categories
(1) Angar-like ember. To enjoy food and get greedy for it. As a result of this the radiance of discipline is completely lost as an ember turns into coal.
(2) Dhoom-like smoke. To eat food with intense aversion, anger, and dislike. This makes discipline hazy like smoke.
(3) Samyojana–mixing. To mix different types of foods before eating, in order to add to the taste. Jan 374274a : POUSTU (1214 JÈCT) Fifth Chapter : Pindaishana (1 st Section) 983 1
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