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 504

HISTORY OF JAINA MONACHISM
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offer protection to one another in cases of trouble. Exchange of food between monks and nuns was not allowed.232 They were not permitted to cook food for themselves and no fire-activity was ever permitted.233 The rest of the rules, it seems, were common with those laid down for the monks. The nun took meals only once a day.234
Clothing:
As already seen, nudity was not allowed to nuns. She used a garment which she kept even when taking food.235 No other details are available. Residence:
Nuns were not permitted to stay with householders as also in a place where bad characters put up. Nuns were always asked to stay in groups of two, three or more.236 Study:
Activities pertaining to ink and writing were not permitted to them.237 Like the Svetāmbaras, the Digambara nuns were also not allowed to study certain texts. The books ascribed to the 'ganadharas,' the 'pratyekabuddhas', the 'śrutakevalins', as also the 'abhinnadaśapūrvakathita' (i.e., texts propounded by the holders of the knowledge of the ten pūrvas) were to be studied only by the monks.238 Only those who had great moral attributes and a deep knowledge of the scriptures were allowed to instruct the nuns.239
Moral Discipline:
The nuns were expected to be modest, perfect in celibacy and nonattached to worldly things.240 They were to be obedient towards the gañinī No bodily decorations were encouraged and it was laid down that they should not appear neat and smart.241 No bathing was allowed. It was laid down that they should not weep for the miserable, should not bathe a baby or feed it, and should not do 'sūtrakarana' (spinning?). They were not allowed to perform any activity pertaining to weapon, ink, agriculture, trade, sculpture,
232. Ibid., 6, 49. 233. Ibid., 4, 193. 234. Suttapāhuda 22-25 (UPADHYE, A.N., Prv., Intr., p. XXX). 235. Ibid. 236. Mül. 4, 191. 237. Ibid., 4, 193. 238. Ibid., 4, 80-81. 239. Ibid., 4, 183-84. 240. For qualities of nuns: Ibid., 4, 187. 241. Ibid., 4, 190.