Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c23.35

c23.35

But this dress was prescribed not merely for health but also for decency. The Bhikkhu had normally to beg every day and had thus to adjust himself to social opinion as regards his dress and bearing which must be attractive and winning so as to inspire respect and provoke generosity in response to the begging. "Properly clad," says the text, "will I go amidst the houses, putting on my under-garment and robe all around me and properly clad will I take my seat amidst the houses with my body under proper control (i.e. 'not with dirty hands or feet'). With downcast eye will I go amidst the houses and take my seat with robes not pulled up, and with my head uncovered" [*Pāt.*, pp. 59-61]. We have already referred to the prescribed behaviour of Bhikkhus going on their begging rounds and to the houses of the laity on invitation to meals as pictures of dignity and sobriety, not showing the slightest sign in their carriage of any levity or lightness [*Chullav.*, viii, 4, 3]. Another text declares: "You are not, O Bhikkhus, to enter the village in your waist cloth and nether garment" [*Mahāv.*, viii, 23].