Questions of King Milinda Part 02

SR No.: 007682
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T W Rhys Davids
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1894
Total Pages: 2240
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 38 MB

Page 378

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THE QUESTIONS AND PUZZLES
VII, 5, 20.
49. THE SERPENT.
20. 'Venerable Nâgasena, those three qualities of the serpent you say he ought to take, which are they?'
'Just, O king, as the serpent progresses by means of its belly; just so, O king, should the strenuous Bhikshu, earnest in effort, progress by means of his knowledge. For the heart of the recluse, O king, who progresses by knowledge, continues in perception (of the four Truths), that which is inconsistent with the characteristics of a recluse1 does he put away, that which is consistent with them does he develop in himself. This, [406] O king, is the first quality of the serpent he ought to have.
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21. And again, O king, just as the serpent as it moves avoids drugs; just so, O king, should the strenuous Bhikshu, earnest in effort, go on his way avoiding unrighteousness. This, O king, is the second quality of the serpent he ought to have.
22. 'And again, O king, as the serpent on catching sight of men is anxious, and pained, and seeks a way of escape; just so, O king, should the strenuous Bhikshu, earnest in effort, when he finds himself thinking wrong thoughts, or discontent arising within him, be anxious and pained, and seek a way of escape, saying to himself: "This day must I have spent in carelessness, and never shall I be able to recover it." This, O king, is the third quality of the
1 Vilakkhanam, not found elsewhere. Hînan-kumburê, p. 604, renders it simply dullness' (moha).
'Goes slanting, avoiding medicinal plants, trees, &c.,' says the Simhalese.
Kintayati, perhaps 'put out.' Goelawî yanta sitanneya, says the Simhalese, p. 605.
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