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II, 7.
ENTERING THE PLACE OF AUSTERITIES.
73
Each engaged in his religious duties, all desirous of the delights of heaven, addressed the senior Brahmakârin, and asked him as to the path of true religion !.: 508
Now having but just come here, I do not yet know the rules of your religious life. I ask you therefore for information, and I pray explain to me what I ask.' 509
On this that twice-born (Brahman) in reply explained in succession all the modes of painful discipline, and the fruits expected as their result. 510
(How some ate) nothing brought from inhabited places (villages), (but) that produced from pure water, (others) edible roots and tender twigs, (others) fruits and flowers fit for food, 511
Each according to the rules of his sect, clothing and food in each case different, some living amongst bird-kind, and like them capturing and eating food; 512
Others eating as the deer the grass (and herbs); others living like serpents, inhaling air; others eating nothing pounded in wood or stone; some eating with two teeth, till a wound be formed; 513
Others, again, begging their food and giving it in charity, taking only the remnants for themselves; others, again, who let water continually drip on their heads and those who offer up with fire; 514
Or, 'an aged Brahmakärin :' here we have the expression Khang suh,' T, for 'aged' (as before).
* Literally, 'opposed to village coming out,' or, that which comes out of (T ) villages.'
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