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SANNYASA DHARMA
(6) he should be forgiving, and
(7) he should be enthusiastic (that is to say, endowed with energy), not lazy.
The nine-fold bhakti (veneration) with which the householder offers food to a saint consists in the following processes :
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(1) respectful request to the saint to stop, (2) the offer of a suitable • seat for the saint to stand on while taking his food,
(3) the washing of the saint's feet with pure sterilized water,
(4) worshipping him,
(5) saluting him,
(6-8) keeping his own mind, speech and body in a state of purity, and
(9) the giving of pure food.
The reasons for some of these rules are clear, and require no explanation. The sadhu aims at the highest degree of purity, and must have it regardless of cost.' He is even ready to die for his principles, knowing that he will be only developing his will thereby. The faults enumerated as those concerned with the procurement and the preparation of food are such as arise from want of real respect and veneration for the saintliness of the sadhu in the householder's heart, and to take food from such a man can only go to debase the dharma, which the saint will never consent to on any account. He must similarly keep his own thoughts and feelings attuned to the highest pitch of purity, and accordingly there is a set of rules which provide for his own short
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