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Path of Freedom [Vimuttimagga]

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30 <strong>Vimuttimagga</strong>'BEGGED FOOD'How does one undertake to observe (the austerity <strong>of</strong>) 'begged food'?If a bhikkhu accepts an invitation, he interrupts his activities and is notat ease. One sees these draw-backs and the merits <strong>of</strong> the observance <strong>of</strong>'begged food' (and undertakes thus:)4 M refuse invitations from today andobserve (the austerity <strong>of</strong> 'begged food')".What are the benefits <strong>of</strong> the observance <strong>of</strong> 'begged food' ? One is freeto go or stay according to one's wishes. One does not need food to be prepared.One destroys rigidity and pride. One is not greedy <strong>of</strong> delicacies. Onepermits others to be benefttted and is never attached to any quarter. Onegets a following <strong>of</strong> good men. This observance is doubt-free.Q. How many kinds <strong>of</strong> invitations are there? What is the observance?How does one fail?A. There are three kinds <strong>of</strong> invitations.The first: (general) invitation, the second: invitation to visit, the third:repeated invitation. 1The non-acceptance <strong>of</strong> these three kinds <strong>of</strong> invitations is the observance<strong>of</strong> 'begged food'. If a bhikkhu accepts these three kinds <strong>of</strong> invitations, hefails in the observance <strong>of</strong> "begged food'.'REGULAR ALMS-ROUND'How does one undertake to observe (the austerity <strong>of</strong>) 'regular aims-round' ?When a bhikkhu is able to obtain tasty food from any house by making a'regular alms-round', he does not go again (in that direction). If he goesagain, it is an ordinary alms-round. If there is a doubtful place he avoids it.One sees these faults (<strong>of</strong> going again etc.) and the benefits <strong>of</strong> the observance<strong>of</strong> 'regular alms-round' (and undertakes thus:) "1 abandon the irregular almsroundfrom today and observe (the austerity <strong>of</strong>) 'regular alms-round'".What are the benefits <strong>of</strong> the observance <strong>of</strong> 'regular alms-round' ? Onethinks <strong>of</strong> benefiting all beings equally, and destroys the fault <strong>of</strong> enjoyment.One is not pleased when invited, is not pleased with many words, and doesnot call on householders. One does not walk hurriedly. Rare as the moonat full, one appears and is appreciated and honoured. One gets a following<strong>of</strong> good men. This observance is doubt-free.Q. What is a 'regular alms-round'? What is the observance? Howdoes one fail?A. When a bhikkhu enters a village for alms, he begs in regular orderfrom the last house backwards. This is called 'regular alms-round'.How does one fail? Skipped begging — this is called failing.Cp. Vis. Mag. 66. The Chinese is unclear.

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