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298
FO-SHO-HING-TSAN-KING.
V, 26.
of birth)—just for a little sip of pleasure not looking at the yawning gulf (before us); 2033
Like the wild elephant freed from the iron curb (ankusa), or like the ape that has regained the forest trees, such is the light and trivial heart;-the wise man should restrain and hold it therefore. 2034
'Letting the heart go loose without restraint, that man shall not attain Nirvana ; therefore we ought to hold the heart in check, and go apart from men and seek a quiet resting-place (hermit's abode). 2035
'Know when to eat and the right measure; and so with reference to the rules of clothing and of medicine; take care you do not by the food you take, encourage in yourselves a covetous or an angry mind. 2036
'Eat your food to satisfy your hunger and (drink to satisfy) your thirst, as we repair an old or broken chariot, or like the butterfly that sips the flower destroying not its fragrance or its texture. 2037
The Bhikshu, in begging food, should beware of injuring the faithful mind of another?; if a man opens his heart in charity, think not about his capabilities (i. e. to overtax him), 2038
'For 'tis not well to calculate too closely the strength of the ox, lest by loading him (beyond his strength) you cause him injury. At morning, noon, and night, successively, store up good works. 2039
During the first and after watch at night be not overpowered by sleep, but in the middle watch, with heart composed, take sleep (and rest)—be thoughtful towards the dawn of day. 2040
1 This seems to refer to the offence given by a Bhikshu in asking food, either seeking much or of different quality to that offered.
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