The
Four-fold Reflection of a Monk
(Paccavekkhana) (1)
1. Wisely
reflecting do I wear the robe, only in order to protect myself
from cold, heat, gadflies, mosquitoes, wind and sun and from
snakes; and also as a constant covering for my modesty.
2. Wisely
reflecting I will partake of food not for pleasure of it, not
for the pride (resulting from physical strength obtainable),
not for adornment, not for beautifying the body, but merely
to maintain this body, to still the hunger, and to enable the
practice of the holy life; also to resist the pangs of hunger
(due to previous want of food), and to resist the pain (resulting
from excess of food). Thus will my life be maintained free from
wrong doing and free from discomfort.
3. Wisely
reflecting I will make use of lodgings only in order to protect
myself from cold and heat, from gadflies and mosquitoes; from
wind and sun, from snakes, and also as a constant protection
against the rigours of climate, and in order to realize that
ardent desire for seclusion (which begets mental concentration).
4. Wisely
reflecting I will make use of medicine only as an aid to eliminate
bodily pains that have arisen, and also to maintain that important
condition, freedom from disease.
1. M.
i. p. 10; cf. A. ii. 40; M. 53.