Motif
Ascetic moderation in food
ascetic_moderation_in_food
A motif of the Mystical Quest and Interior Journey family. Every row below is a tagged passage; each rests on a quote in its source text.
1 occurrences
1 traditions
buddhist
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The Questions of King Milinda, Part II (Sacred Books of the East, Vol. 36) Chapter 1. / YII, 1,1. / VII, 6, 12 / VII, 7, I; lines 14938-15107 confidence: high
In '50. The Rock-snake,' Nagasena says a huge rock-snake can live after many days hungry; the alms-dependent Bhikshu seeking the highest good should accept even four or five mouthfuls and drink water; Sariputta is quoted on not eating to repletion, keeping moderation, and fixing the mind on Arahatship.
The rock-snake's survival with an empty belly is used to teach the alms-dependent Bhikshu to accept very little food, drink water if needed, and avoid full repletion while intent on Arahatship.
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