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1. The Chapter dealing with Blossoms on a Tree.
1. The best word to begin with, is Dharma. [Dharma consists] in non-violence, self-control, and asceticism. Even the gods revere him whose mind is always [concentrated] upon
Dharma.
2. As the bee sucks honey in the blossoms of a tree without hurting the blossom, and strengthens itself, 3. so those pious monks, who are without attachment in the world are content with searching their outfit and food like unto the flying [bees] in the blossoms. 4. [They say:] "We earn our living and no one [of the almsgivers] is hurt [by our doing so]." They go where they [may] meet with accidental alms, as the bees do at the blossoms. 5. Like the bees [are] the wise monks who are independent [of home and family], accustomed to food of any kind and content with it. Therefore they are called Pious Ones. Thus I say.
2. The Chapter that begins with Monkhood.
1. How can he practise monkhood who does not restrict his desires, stumbling at every step and subject to [his] wishes? 2. They who unwillingly abstain from [wearing fine] garments, [using] perfumes [and] ornaments, [having] women and couches [such a man] is not called one who abandons. 3. But he who turns his back to the desired and dear sensual pleasures which he came to enjoy and willingly leaves those pleasures, he is called one who abandons. 4. When [a monk] is wandering about, looking calmly [at things], it may happen that his mind passes outward [of the permitted circle of thought towards a woman. Then] he must turn his longing away from her, thinking: she is not mine nor am I hers, [I have nothing to do with her]. 5. Thou must practise austerities, give up weakness, overcome the desires, then thou wilt have
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