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CHAPTER XXXI, 26.
363
understands final emancipation should seek to obtain alms after the cleaning of the vessels (used for cooking), and should not rejoice if he obtains, and should not be dejected if he does not obtain (alms). Nor should he beg for too much alms, seeking merely to sustain life. Eating only a little, he should go about for alms with a concentrated mind, looking out for the (proper) time. He should not wish for earnings in common with another, nor should he eat when honoured; for an ascetic should be averse from all earnings (accompanied) with honour'. When eating, he should not taste any articles of food which have been eaten by others, or which are pungent, astringent, or bitter, and likewise no sweet juices. He should eat just enough for his livelihood—for the support of life. One who understands final emancipation should seek for a livelihood without obstructing (other) creatures ; and when he goes about for alms, he should not go following after another. He should not parade (his) piety, he should move about in a secluded place, free from passion. He should resort for shelter to an empty house, or a forest, or the foot of a tree, or a river likewise, or the cavern of a mountain. In summer, (he should pass) but a single night in a town; and in the rains, he may dwell in one place. He should move about the
' I.e., I presume, in order to avoid interfering with others' comforts. And see last note.
• See Manu VI, 55. As to proper time further on, see last note.
• Cf. Sanatsu gåtfya, pp. 145-147; 'without respect' at Gita, p. 120, means probably with disrespect, otherwise that passage and this would be somewhat inconsistent. See too Mapu II, 162.
• Cl. Manu II, 56; Gita, p. 118; and p. 269 supra
• As that other may get nothing if they go together, Arguna Misra. CL Manu VI, 51. • Cf. Gautama III, 31.
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