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CHAPTER II
THE ASCETIC PRACTICES
(Dhutaṅga-niddesa)
1. [59] Now, while a meditator is engaged in the pursuit of virtue, he should set
about undertaking the ascetic practices in order to perfect those special qualities
of fewness of wishes, contentment, etc., by which the virtue of the kind already
described, is cleansed. For when his virtue is thus washed clean of stains by the
waters of such special qualities as fewness of wishes, contentment, effacement,
seclusion, dispersal, energy, and modest needs, it will become quite purified; and
his vows will succeed as well. And– so, when his whole behaviour has been purified
by the special quality of blameless virtue and vows and he has become established
in the [first] three of the ancient Noble Ones’ heritages, he may become worthy to
attain to the fourth called “delight in development” (A II 27). We shall therefore
begin the explanation of the ascetic practices.
[THE 13 KINDS OF ASCETIC PRACTICES]
2. Thirteen kinds of ascetic practices have been allowed by the Blessed One to
clansmen who have given up the things of the flesh and, regardless of body and
life, are desirous of undertaking a practice in conformity [with their aim]. They
are:
i.
the refuse-rag-wearer’s practice,
ii.
the triple-robe-wearer’s practice,
iii.
the alms-food-eater’s practice,
iv.
the house-to-house-seeker’s practice,
v.
the one-sessioner’s practice,
vi.
the bowl-food-eater’s practice,
vii.
the later-food-refuser’s practice,
viii.
the forest-dweller’s practice,
ix.
the tree-root-dweller’s practice,
x.
the open-air-dweller’s practice,
xi.
the charnel-ground-dweller’s practice,
xii.
the any-bed-user’s practice,
xiii.
the sitter’s practice.
3. Herein:
(1) As to meaning, (2) characteristic, et cetera,
(3) The undertaking and directions,