________________
312
SUTRAKRITÂNGA.
A true monk should not accept such food and drink as has been especially prepared for him along with slaughter of living beings. (14)
He should not partake of a meal which contains but a particle of forbidden food ?: this is the Law of him who is rich in control. Whatever (food a monk) suspects (to be impure), he may not eat. (15)
A man who guards his soul and subdues his senses, should never assent to anybody killing beings. In towns and villages cases (will occur, which place) the faithful (in a dilemma) 2. (16)
Hearing the talk of people, one should not say, 'this is a good action, nor this is a bad action. For there is an objection (to either answer). (17)
He should not say that it is meritorious, because he ought to save those beings, whether they move or not, which are killed there for the sake of making a gift. (18)
Nor should he say that it is not meritorious, because he would then prevent those for whose sake the food and drink in question is prepared, to get their due. (19)
Those who praise the gift, are accessory 3 to the killing of beings; those who forbid it, deprive (others) of the means of subsistence. (20)
Those, however, who give neither answer, viz.
1 This is the meaning of the phrase pûtikarma na sêvêta.
? When well-meaning people sink a well, offer a sacrifice, or feed persons, &c.
* Literally, wish.
