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266
SÒTRAKRITÂNGA.
"A moment's moment will bring the decision"; when we lose, we shall fly. Thus thinks the coward. (2)
So some Sramanas, knowing themselves to be weak, have recourse to worldly sciences 2 when they see that they will suffer want. (3)
(They say): 'Who knows what will cause my loss of sanctity, women or water? When we are questioned, we shall speak out i.e. show our knowledge). We have no (other) resource (in case of need)!' (4)
They are cautious, like those who look out for a ditch, &c. Those who doubt (their ability for control) are like men ignorant of the way. (5)
But famous warriors, leaders of heroes at the time of the battle, do not look behind them; (they think) what if all end with death ? (6)
A monk who exerts himself in a similar way, should slip off the ties that bind him to his house. Putting aside all undertakings, he should wander about for the welfare of his soul. (7)
Some revile a monk who leads a holy life. But these revilers are far off from perfection. (8)
(The revilers say), “You live just as the laymen do, being attached to one another, for (e.g.) you beg alms for a sick man and give it him. (9)
'Therefore you still have an attachment, being obedient to the will of one another ; you have not the purity produced by the right path, and have not got beyond the Circle of Births.' (10)
Now a monk who knows (the truth about) Móksha
Literally, a moment of a moment of moments will be such. ? As grammar, astrology, medicine, &c.
s Samâhi, explained môksha, compare first note in the Tenth Lecture.
