IV: The Renunciaton of Sumedha – 57 

 

“Having seen the demerits of the household life, and having given up 
incomparable wealth and unlimited resources and retinue, I have entered 
the forest and become an ascetic, desiring to seek meritoriousness that 
will liberate me from the snares of sensuality. From today onwards, I 
should not be negligent. 
There are these three categories of wrong thoughts, namely, thought based 
on desire (

kāma-vitakka

), which is directed to sense-pleasures; thought 

based on ill-will (

vyāpāda-vitakka

), which is directed to killing, 

destroying, harming; thought based on cruelty (

vihiṁsā-vitakka

), which is 

directed to causing harm and injury to others. These thoughts may be 
likened to wild flies which feed on those who are negligent and who 
abandon the practice of mental detachment from defilements and physical 
detachment from sense-pleasures. Now is the time for me to devote myself 
totally to the practice of detachment (

paviveka

). 

True, seeing the defects of the household life, which obstruct, hinder and 
harm meritorious practices, I have renounced the world. This hut of 
leaves is indeed delightful. This fine levelled ground is bright yellow like 
a ripe bael fruit. The walls are silvery white. The leaves of the roof are 
beautifully red like the colour of a pigeon’s foot. The couch is made of 
cane, bears the patterns of a variegated bedspread. The dwelling place is 
very comfortable to live in. I do not think that the luxuries of my former 
residence can excel the comfort provided by this hut.” 

Reflecting thus, he discerned the eight disadvantages of a leaf-hut and the ten 
advantages of the foot of trees.

39

 Consequently, on that very day he abandoned 

the hut and approached the foot of trees which are endowed with ten virtues. 

[31]

 

The following morning, he entered the nearby village for alms food. The 
villagers made a great effort to offer him choice food. After finishing his meal, 
he went back to the enclosure in the forest and sat down thinking: 

“I became an ascetic not because I lack food and nourishment. Delicacies 
tend to boost one’s pride and arrogance in being a man. There is no end to 
the trouble that arises from the necessity of sustaining one’s life with food. 

                                                      

39

 On these see the Further Explanations.