4 qualities of the rain that a Bhikkhu should learn
Venerable Nagasena said to King Milinda: O King, the rain has four qualities that a Bhikkhu ought to take:
1. Just as the rain lays any dust that arises; just so, should the strenuous Bhikkhu, earnest in effort, lay the dust and dirt of any evil dispositions that may arise within him.
2. Just as the rain allays the heat of the ground; just so, should the strenuous Bhikkhu, earnest in effort, soothe the whole world of devas and men, with the feeling of his compassion.
3. Just as the rain makes all kinds of vegetation grow; just so, should the strenuous Bhikkhu, earnest in effort, by means of cultivating thoughtfulness, protect his state of Samanaship through mindfulness. For it is in mindfulness that all good qualities have their foundation.
4. Just as the rain when it pours down fills the rivers, reservoirs, artificial lakes, caves, chasms, ponds, holes, and wells, with water; just so, should the strenuous Bhikkhu, earnest in effort, pour down the rain of the Dharma, and so fill to satisfaction the mind of devas and mankind…
— The Milindapanha —
