History of Jaina Monachism

SR No.: 001727
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S B Deo
Publisher: Deccan College Research Institute
Publication Year: 1956
Total Pages: 616
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Principle, & History
File Size: 12 MB

Page 333

328
S. B. DEO or had put on only one garment or was cutting something at that time, then the monks did not approach him at that moment. Seeing him seated on a pure piece of ground and not on a heap of chaff, etc. the monks reported the condition of the patient to the doctor. If the doctor wanted to see the patient personally, then he was taken to the monastery. The ācārya, in order to avoid the 'lāghava dosa (inferiority)' involved in getting up at the arrival of the doctor, remained perambulating in the verandah till the arrival of the physician. Then the necessary medicines, etc. were given to the patient. In cases of emergency, the monks had to accept medicines at night and to make use of hides, cow-urine, etc.629
Forbidden Sciences :
Inspite of their acceptance of medicine, the monks themselves, as we have already seen, were forbidden to give medicine to, or make diagnosis of a sick householder. Along with this, monks were not allowed to foretell the future of anybody as that was likely to lead to misunderstanding and ill-will.630
Forbidden Company:
Along with matters which were forbidden to him, the monk had to avoid bad elements not only in the society but also in the order itself, and he was not allowed to give company to or accept it from one of loose morals and lax behaviour (ahācchanda).631 Bowing down to or praising such persons, condemning religion and glorifying irreligion, were looked upon as transgressions for which the monk had to undergo punishment.632 Bad company led to laxity in morals and that to the irresistible temptation of breaking the fundamental vows.633
Examples of Supreme Self-control :
Thus, the whole mode of monastic life consisted of a rigorous selfcontrol and moral discipline. The Niryuktis and the Prakīrņakas furnish numerous examples of cases of supreme bodily mortifications. Cilātiputta who remained motionless even when his body was eaten up by ants; 634 son
629. Pinda-N., 50ff. 630. Nis. 10, 7-8. 631. Ibid., 4, 28-37. 632. Ibid., 11, 9-10; 64-67; 82-83; 13, 42-59. See Appendix 1.
633. Nis. 12, 3 prescribes four months' 'parihara' for frequently breaking the vow of 'pratyakhyāna'.
634. Avaśyaka-N. 874.