History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas: A Vanished Indian Religion c15.s3.14

c15.s3.14

The last item of the second list is described in the text of the *Sūtra*. For six months the ascetic eats only pure food (*suddha-khāimāim*); for two months he lies on the ground, for two on wood, and for two on *darbha* grass. On the last night of these six months two mighty gods, Punnabhadda and Māṇibhadda will appear, and with their cool hands will soothe his fevered body. “He who submits to (the caresses of) those gods will further the work of serpenthood. If he does not submit, a mass of fire arises in his body, and he burns up his body with his own heat. Then he is saved and makes an end. That is the pure drink.” ⁵