Text of Confucianism Part 02

SR No.: 007676
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: James Legge
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1882
Total Pages: 2405
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 43 MB

Page 2264

ON EXCLUSION FROM THE PÂTIMOKKHA. 303
IX, 1, 4.
of which the Bhikkhus take delight in this doctrine and discipline. What are the eight?
'Just, O Bhikkhus, as the great ocean gets gradually deeper, slope following on slope, hollow succeeding hollow, and the fall is not precipitately abrupt-just so, O Bhikkhus, in this doctrine and discipline is the training a gradual one, work following on work, and step succeeding step; and there is no sudden attainment to the insight (of Arahatship). This is the first [of such qualities].
'Just, O Bhikkhus, as the great ocean remains of the same nature, and passes not beyond the shorejust so, O Bhikkhus, is the body of precepts which I have established for those who are hearers of my word, and which they, their lives long, do not pass beyond. This is the second [of such qualities].
'Just, O Bhikkhus, as the great ocean will not brook association with a dead corpse; but whatsoever dead corpse there be in the sea that will itand quickly-draw to the shore, and cast it out upon the dry land-just so, O Bhikkhus, if there be any individual evil in conduct, wicked in character, of impure and doubtful behaviour, not a Samana though he have taken the vows of one, not a religious student though he have taken the vows of one, foul within, full of cravings, a worthless creature; with him will the Samgha brook no association, but quickly, on its meeting together, will it cast him out. And what though that man should himself be seated in the midst of the Bhikkhusamgha, verily, both is he afar off from the Samgha,
1 Aññâ-pa/ivedho. On the use of aññâ, standing alone, in this sense, see the note above on Mahâvagga V, 1, 19.
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