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Swami Sivananda
The ascetic and his disciple
One of the disciples of an ascetic asked his teacher, "My venerable master, kindly instruct me how many times a householder can visit his legal wife."
The ascetic replied, "Only once in his lifetime."
The disciple said, "Oh my Lord! This is absolutely impossible for worldly men. Passion is dreadful and troublesome. This world is full of temptations and distractions. Householders have not a strong will to resist temptations. Their indriyas are very revolting and powerful. The mind is filled with passion. Thou art a philosopher and Yogi. You can control. Pray, kindly prescribe an easy path for the men of the world."
Then the ascetic said, " A householder can have copulation once in a year."
The disciple replied, "O venerable sir, this is also a hard job for them. You must prescribe an easier course."
The ascetic then replied, "Well, my dear disciple, once in a month. This is suitable. This is quite easy. I think you are satisfied now."
The disciple said, "This also is impossible, my revered master. Householders are very fickle-minded. Their minds are full of sexual samskaras and vasanas. They cannot remain even for a single day without sexual intercourse. You have no idea of their mentality."
Then the ascetic said, "Well said, my dear child. Do one thing now. Go directly to the burial ground now. Dig a grave and purchase a coffin and winding sheet for the corpse before hand. Now you can spoil yourself any number of times you like. This is my final advice to you."
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