Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c9.s29.1.2

c9.s29.1.2

but here he is contradicted by Nearchus, though on this matter quite possibly both theory and practice differed in different localities. This account of the Brāhmaṇas then is reasonably accurate and interesting as a record of the impression produced by them in the mind of an observant foreigner. But the description of the Śramaṇas is not a little puzzling, because while the name generally indicates Buddhist ascetics, there is little in the description itself which will not apply to Brāhmanical ascetics. Here is the account as reproduced by Strabo: ‘Of the Sarmanes the most highly honoured are the Hylobioi. They live in forests, subsist on leaves and wild fruits, wear garments made from the bark of trees, and abstain from wine and commerce with women. The kings consult them by messengers regarding the causes of events, and use their mediation in worshipping and supplicating the gods. Next in honour to the Hylobioi are the physicians, for they apply philosophy to the study of the nature of man. They are frugal in their habits, but do not live in the fields. Their food consists of rice and barley-meal which every one gives who is asked, as well as every one who receives them as a guest. By their knowledge of medicine they know how to make marriages fertile and how to procure male or female children as may be desired. They effect cures rather by regulating diet than by the use of medicines. The remedies in most repute are ointments and plasters.