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In Search of the Ultimate
A wise monk bears hunger, thirst, rough-sleeping, cold, heat, fear and pain. Austerity by way of suffering and tolerance of hardship makes any monk a truly great soul.
If a wise one knowingly or unknowingly commits any sinful act, then on realising his mistake he immediately repents and takes more care in all his normal duties.
Anger, pride deceit and greed increase your sins. If you wish the best for your soul, you must renounce these four vices.
Anger destroys good-will, pride destroys humbleness, deceit destroys friendship but everything is destroyed by greed.
Anger should be killed by peace of mind, (a mind which is free from any feelings of bitterness towards any one). Pride by humbleness, deceit by feelings of softness and greed should be killed by contentment.
When anger and pride are still unchecked, when deceit and greed are on the increase, these four vices water the roots of the tree of re-birth.
A wise one shows proper courtesy towards the elderly and the learned ones. His mind is always as stable as the pole-star, his senses and feelings of attachment are always under control, and he is always equipped with the virtues of self-control and penance.
He does not take pleasure in idleness or futile gossip and is always engaged in the study of scriptures.
A wise one (monk) does not speak unless he is spoken to, interrupt when some one is speaking, or speak about a third party behind his back. He should renounce all deceit and lust.
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