Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c12.s2.12

c12.s2.12

Though there is restriction as to food and drink for the Brahmachārī, there was no restriction as to quantity of these he should consume. He could take as much nourishment as was necessary for his health. "The *Muni* (of the fourth *āśrama*) should restrict his food to only eight mouthfuls; the Hermit (of the third *āśrama*) to sixteen mouthfuls; the Householder to thirty-two; but there was no limit for a Brahmachārī." This rule is based on that of health which requires that the quantity of food must be largest for youths and decrease with age. The same text forbids the penance of fasting for both a Brahmachārī and a Gṛihastha [*Baudhāyana*, ii, 7, 31–3; *Smṛitichandrikā*, p. 114].