Note 12 — THE DIAMOND SUTRA

“Explained by ‘living in retirement,’ ‘a hermit,’ ‘a recluse.’ The term signifies ascetics who live in strict seclusion. There are three classes to be distinguished. The first is called Dharma Aranyaka—‘Hermits of the Law,’ their favourite tenet being the doctrine that the principles (Dharma) constituting human nature are originally calm, still, and passive. Their favourite tree is the Bodhi tree (tree of intelligence). The second class is called Matanga Aranyaka. Its members reside constantly in cemeteries, and are prohibited to approach a village within hearing distance of the lowing of a cow. They are probably called after the Hindoo caste Matanga. The third class, or the Danataka Aranyaka, is formed by hermits living on the sea beach or on half-tide rocks.”—Handbook of Chinese Buddhism. Eitel.

“Men whose home is the forest, men who have taken on themselves the extra vows, men full of joy, men who are wearing rough garments, men rejoicing in solitude.”—Questions of King Milinda. T. W. Rhys Davids.