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Ch. VIII]
TRANSLATION
[.97
If he by accident happens to see ( them ), he should withdraw his gaze from them as from the Sun. (55). A celibate monk should avoid a woman although ( disfigured having her hands and feet amputated or ears and nose slit, and (even though she be) full one hundred years old. (56). To a monk, seeking the benefit of his soul, decoration, contact with women and meal with dripping ghee or oil, are all like a deadly poison. (57). He should never ponder over the bodily stature, or the sweet talk or the glance of women, which only increase passion and desire. (58). He should not feel attachment for lovely things knowing well the transitory transformation of those various objects. (59). Having properly realised the transitory transformation of the various objeots, he should remain without desires with a calm disposition. (60).
He should keep or preserve regarding religious merit: expounded by preceptors, that mental attitude with which he quitted his home and accepted the excellent position of: monkhood. (61). Following always the life of penance, selfrestraint and religious study, the monk becomes powerful enough for self-protection and defeat of others, just like a warrior at the head of the army furnished with all missiles. (62). In the case of a monk who is devoted to religious study and good meditation, who is a protector of self and others, who is not sinful, and who is engaged in penance, there disappears all the dirt (sin) that has been committed in the previous births, just as dirt on silver is blown off by the application of the heat. (63). In short, such a sage, as is described above, who silently bears pain, who has conquered senses, who is possessed of learning, who is without any affection, and who has no possession, shines, after the cloud of Karma is removed, like the moon on the disappearance of the cover of the dark clouds. (64). Thus I say.
