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262
SÚTRAKRITÂNGA.
When during the winter they suffer from cold and draughts, the weak become disheartened like Kshattriyas who have lost their kingdom. (4)
When they suffer from the heat of summer, sad and thirsty, the weak become disheartened like fish in shallow water. (5)
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. (6)
Weak men who are unable (to bear) these insults in villages or towns, become disheartened like cowards in the battle. (7)
Perchance a snarling dog will bite a hungry monk; in that case the weak will become disheartened like animals burnt by fire. (8)
Some who hate (the monks), revile them : 'Those who lead such a (miserable) life (as monks do), atone but (for their sins in a former life).' (9)
Some call them names, as ‘naked, lowest of beggars, baldhead, scabby, filthy, nasty.' (10)
Those who behave in this way and do not know better, go from darkness to utter darkness, being fools and shrouded in delusion' (1)
When bitten by flies and gnats, and unable (to bear) the pricking of grass, (they will begin to doubt),
I have not seen the next world, all may end with death 2 !' (12)
Some weak men who suffer from the plucking out of the hair, and who are unable to preserve their chastity, will become disheartened like fish transfixed by a spear 3 (13) i Compare I, I, I, 14.
2 Compare 1, 3, 3, 6. * Kêtana, perhaps caught with the hook.'
