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11. Trials and Persecutions
S. B. E. S., VOL. XLV, p. 261. 1. A man believes himself a hero as long as he does not behold the foe, as did Sisupála (before he beheld the valorously-fighting, great warrior'.
2. They go forward to the head of the battle ; but when the fight has begun the mother will not recognise her son, and he will be mangled by his foe.
3. So a novice, who as yet has not suffered pains and is not yet used to a mendicant's life, believes himself a hero till he practises austerities 2.
4. When during the winter they suffer from cold and draughts, the weak become disheartened like Kshatriyas who have lost their kingdom.
5. When they suffer from the heat of summer, sad and thirsty, the weak become disheartened like fish in shallow water.
6. It is painful never to take anything but what is freely given, and begging is a hard task. Common people say that (men become monks) because they will not work and are wretched.
7. Weak men who are unable (to bear) these insults in villages or towns, become disheartened like cowards in the battle.
8. Perchance a snarling dog will bite a hungry
1. Viz. Krishna Krishna's victory over Sisupala is told in the Mahabharata. It forms the subject of Mágha's famous poem, Sisupálavadha.
2. Lúban=rúksham i. e. Control (Samyamam).
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