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ascetic should never think of asking for food and drink of a delicious taste. When his organ of smell (nose) comes in contact either with the fragrant smell of a Bakula, (Mimusops Elengi), Malati, (Jasminum Grandi-florum), and Kamala, (Lotus) or, on the contrary, in contract with very foul odour, an ascetic should entertain a homogeneous feeling. He should not be pleased on seeing a handsome form that is attractive to the eyes and delightful to the mind, or be angry on the contrary, on seeing an ugly shape. An ascetic should have an uniform disposition on hearing the music of a a Vèņu, a flute, forr Viņā, a lute, and the variegated music of divine songsters or the unpleasant yellings of an ass or of a cat. He should not be angry with stupid persons who may be intent on ridicule, striking, or offending him, as if they were his own kinsmen. An ascetic should not be proud of acquiring fame, or of astonishing the world by some great deed or of possessing some excellent virtues. He should immediately avoid Māyā, Deceit, as if it were a faithless wife; because, it creates breach of trust, closes up the door of happy lot in future life, and results in endless miseries. He should never harbour the demon r Lobha, Greed, as it is always intent on artful management at the least opportunity. He should restrain the wicked mind like a wild elephant destroying the excellent tree in the form of a Sila, Chastity, affording pleasant shelter and happy result. In censurable dealings, he should always necessarily speak out the Truth, but at times when there is an imminent danger of injury or death to living beings, only on such rare occasions, there is no harm in swerving a little from the right path. He should very carefully observe the duties of an ascetic. An ascetic should not use an umbrella or shoes even if he be greatly distressed by the heat of summer. He should completely avoid taking undue care of his own body. He should not give up the practice of plucking out of the hair of his head although it is painful He should never ask for clothes dyed with minerals.
In this way, Martci explained the Rules of Conduct of an
asoetic.
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