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The Humanism of Haribhadra
231
8.
Thus there is also a clear advantage [to be had from giving food] not prepared [for a particular guest]. So it has not been said to be an impossibility. This is perfection of competence. The religion of an ascetic is exceedingly difficult !
VII. Eight Verses on Meals in Private
1.
In order to avoid good and [bad karma, a mendicant] who has turned away from all [bad) undertakings, who wants to be free and who has developed himself spiritually, prefers to take his meals in private.
When a miserable (mendicant), for instance, suffers from hunger and notices someone eating a meal, and then asks for something, one may, out of compassion, give him something. This is generally said to be a bond of good karma.
3.
However, (philosophers] who speak of liberation do not approve of this sort of [bond], because it is the cause of rebirth. This is because the sacred scriptures agree that liberation is due to the extinction of good and bad karma.
In most cases a humane person will not fail to give such a (miserable mendicant a meal to eat]. Since it is his nature to do like that he is also capable of remaining at ease.
5.
11,
If, however, one fails to give [a meal) to a miserable (mendicant) etc., then enmity will certainly be the result. From that follows hatred towards the teachings, and from that a long line of bad rebirths.
In this case (those who know the truth] have spoken of a bond of bad karma which is in conflict with the intention of the scriptures. This is because it would be the cause of such [bad karma not to give a meal to a mendicant] out of negligence when one has the means to do so.
7.
Of course, the intention of the scriptures must always be effected strenuously as far as possible by a [mendicant] who wants to be free and who is concerned with no other occupations.
Since it has thus been shown in the scriptures that in both cases it is a bad thing to take a meal in public, therefore, it is reasonable to give it up.
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