“O my son! That will be the time when monks will become hoarders of grain and eaters of fish.

They will have dainty dishes for their butter and parasols of precious stuff, and they will put on shoes of leather. The teachings that they give to kings, ministers, and common householders will be nothing but the science of omens, astrology, fortune-telling, and the care of the body.

They will keep servants, man and maid, and they will use gold and silver, precious stones, sapphires, crystals, pearls, and corals; they will wear necklaces and will enjoy all sorts of fruit.

They will play sports and amuse themselves with painting and sculpture.

They will teach literature; they will plow their fields and harvest their crops.

They will cast spells; they will prepare drugs and heal with words of power.

They will teach music, dancing, and singing and all sorts of handicrafts like the preparation of incense and flower garlands and basket weaving.

But you should understand that only those who forsake such unprofitable activities are truly close to me.”

“Lord,” said Kashyapa, “monks, nuns, and lay practitioners all depend on benefactors. When they go for alms and receive food containing meat, what should they do? How should they examine it?”

« Back

Next »