六斋

(六齋, 六斋)

The six monthly (sa) poṣadha, or fast days: the 8th, 14th, 15th, 23rd, 29th, and 30th. They are the days on which the Four Mahārājas [lang id =1028]四天王 take note of human conduct and when evil demons are busy, so that great care is required and consequently nothing should be eaten after noon, hence the 'fast', v. [lang id =1028]梵王經 30th command. The [lang id =1028]智度論 13 describes them as [lang id =1028]惡日 evil or dangerous days, and says they arose from an ancient custom of cutting of the flesh and casting it into the fire.