The Four Characteristics of a Sage

The “Commentary on Bodhisattva Vows” says that, “Less involvement refers to less wishes. Less activity refers to not owning plenty of possessions. Less desire refers to having a small amount of simple clothing, food, bedding that lead to contentment, joyously and diligently practicing abstinence. Sages also exhibit four characteristics: they are content with small amount of simple clothing, food and bedding, enthusiastic in practicing abstinence from afflictions. These four are the characteristics of a sage.