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The Unknown Pilgrims
Sūtra, that they should have from the start an attitude and disposition of flexibility and receptivity. Poetic images are not lacking: the guru (guruņi) is compared to the rising sun that sheds its rays on the country of Bhārata,33 stubbom disciples to wild horses or elephants or to a recalcitrant ox who can only be induced to pull forward the cart by lashes of the whip.34 Vinaya is described as the well-spring which gives rise to vaiyávrtya, service to the guruņi and elders. Now we know already that vaiyavrtya is one of the forms of interior tapas. 35
- Chapter X is entitled: sa bhikkhū, which means a true bhikṣu (or true bhikṣuni). It presents a synthesis of the other chapters. All the aspects of right conduct are reviewed in a type of litany in which, at the end of each verse, the word "sa bhikkhū" is repeated, recalling to mind the qualities of the true ascetic. 36 Stress is laid upon equanimity, self-control, respect for all beings, thoughtfulness, concentration, courage, the primacy of the spiritual; upon the subject of modesty it is said that the true ascetic is not conceited and takes no pride in his or her knowledge of the Scripture.
- Cūlikā 1 offers eighteen subjects of consideration to those ascetics who are tempted to return home. Here is material to cause them to think deeply before coming to a decision!
- Cūlikā 2 re-affirms the importance of one's behaviour in contacts with the outer world and in one's comings and goings; the necessity of self-examination on one's deeds and of svādhyāya.37 It concludes by
33 Cf. DS IX, 1, 14.
34 Ibid., 2, 5; 2, 19; cf. US I 3; XI, 6-9 for the avinita, impertinent, ascetic.
35 Cf. P 369 ff. ; also US XXIX, 4; 49; XXX, 33; YSa XII, 15-17.
36 Cf. US XV also called: sa bhikkhū, which is shorter but similar to DS X; and in the opposite sense, cf. US XVII entitled: pavasamaņijjam (pāpaśramaniyam), the sinful śramaņa.
37 Cf. DS cūlikā 2, 7.
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