[61] Tertullian, Ad uxorem, i. 6 (Migne, Patrologiæ cursus, i. 1284). Idem, De exhortatione castitatis, 13 (Migne, ii. 928 sq.). Cf. Idem, De monogamia, 17 (Migne, ii. 953).
[62] Strabo, xiv. 1. 23.
[63] Arnobius, Adversus gentes, v. 7 (Migne, op. cit. v. 1095 sqq.). Farnell, ‘Sociological Hypotheses concerning the Position of Women in Ancient Religion,’ in Archiv f. Religionswiss. vii. 78.
[64] Lucian, De dea Syria, 15, 27, 50 sqq.
Among the Todas of the Neilgherry Hills the “dairy man” or priest is bound to a celibate existence;[65] and among the Hindus, in spite of the great honour in which marriage is held, celibacy has always commanded respect in instances of extraordinary sanctity.[66] Those of the Sannyāsis who are known to lead their lives in perfect celibacy receive on that account marks of distinguished honour and respect.[67] Already the time-honoured Indian institution of the four Āśramas contained the germ of monastic celibacy, the Brahmacārin, or student, being obliged to observe absolute chastity during the whole course of his study.[68] The idea was further developed in Jainism and Buddhism. The Jain monk was to renounce all sexual pleasures, “either with gods, or men, or animals”; not to give way to sensuality; not to discuss topics relating to women; not to contemplate the forms of women.[69] Buddhism regards sensuality as altogether incompatible with wisdom and holiness; it is said that “a wise man should avoid married life as if it were a burning pit of live coals.”[70] According to the legend, Buddha’s mother, who was the best and purest of the daughters of men, had no other sons, and her conception was due to supernatural causes.[71] One of the fundamental duties of monastic life, by an infringement of which the guilty person brings about his inevitable expulsion from Buddha’s order, is that “an ordained monk may not have sexual intercourse, not even with an animal.”[72] In Tibet some sects of the Lamas are allowed to marry, but those who do not are considered more holy; and in every sect the nuns must take a vow of absolute continence.[73] The Buddhist priests of Ceylon are totally debarred from women.[74] Chinese law enjoins celibacy on all priests, Buddhist or Taouist.[75] And among the immortals of Taouism there are some women also, who have led an extraordinarily ascetic life.[76]
[65] Thurston, ‘Anthropology of the Todas and Kotas,’ in the Madras Government Museum’s Bulletin, i. 169, 170, 193. Rivers, Todas, pp. 80, 99, 236.
[66] Monier-Williams, Buddhism, p. 88.
[67] Dubois, op. cit. p. 133. Cf. Monier-Williams, Brāhmanism and Hindūism, p. 261.
[68] Kern, Manual of Indian Buddhism, p. 73.
[69] Hopkins, Religions of India, p. 294.