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SANNYASA DHARMA comings. Lastly, the food that is the builder of flesh must be absolutely pure. It should not only be free from living matter of every kind whatsoever, but must also be free from all mental associations with living matter. For the effect of mental suggestion is very powerful, so that if there be present before the mind the image of such things as flesh, blood, pus, and the like, the food which is taken is not unlikely to produce the same effect as it would do if it actually consisted of the things named, though as a matter of fact it might not contain any of them. The saint who aspires for the highest degree of purity in this regard cannot, therefore, take any food which is to be eaten in such undesirable associations. He observes the rules of îryā samiti when going out for food and when returning to his place after taking it. He does not allow his mind to dwell on any thing in connection with what he is likely to get, or did actually get, or what he might have got ; but keeps it steadily fixed on holy subjects of meditation all the time. At times he even imposes additional restrictions on himself in respect of what he is to eat on any particular occasion, and in what surroundings and circumstances ; and will immediately retrace his steps unless those conditions be present, without his having contributed to their coming into being, directly or indirectly, in any way. He will not even bless the giver of food, or thapk him in any manner. While eating, he maintains complete silence, and will not break it on any account, If an antarāya (obstruction)
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