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**Pinḍaniyukti: An Observation**
**Difference between Bhikshavṛtti and Bhiksha**
There is a world of difference between the bhikshavṛtti of a sādhū and the bhiksha of a destitute person. Firstly, there are no rules or commitments in the bhiksha of a beggar; he begs from one house to another in a pleading tone. On the other hand, a sādhū, with humility (Daśa 5/2/26) and self-respect, accepts bhiksha offered by others for the attainment of the perfection of the vows. A beggar collects wealth or material for future worries, whereas a sādhū does not even store food for the evening, even if it is collected in the morning. In other words, he cannot consume the bhiksha received in the first watch in the last watch. A sādhū accepts with respect, humility, and persistence, while a beggar desires more even after receiving what is due. A sādhū remains equanimous, without feeling sorrow or disrespect if he does not receive bhiksha, whereas a beggar sometimes becomes agitated and starts talking nonsense if he does not receive bhiksha. A sādhū collects bhiksha by going to many houses and working hard, while a beggar can fulfill his needs from one house. Mahāvīra has kept the self-respect of a sādhū so alive that if a beggar or another bhikshavṛtti is already present in a house, the muni will not enter that house.
**How many times is bhiksha allowed for a muni?**
According to the Āgamas, the third watch of the day is considered the time for bhiksha for a nitya-bhakti muni. In the Daśāśrutaskandha, one of the 20 asamādhi-sthānas is to eat from sunrise to sunset. The mention of "egbhattam ca bhoyanam" (Daśa 6/22) points towards the dietary restraint of a sādhū. A fasting muni is allowed to go for bhiksha only once, but if food and water are not available in sufficient quantity, he can go twice.
Two gocharakālas are allowed for those practicing bela tapasya, and three gocharakālas are allowed for those practicing tela tapasya. For those practicing tapasya beyond tela, three gocharakālas are allowed. A person practicing bela tapasya can go for bhiksha twice because the intestines shrink during bela tapasya, and eating more frequently helps regain the strength to practice bela tapasya again, and the food also does not get cold.
1. Nibha 4141. 2. Daśa 5/2/6. 3. Daśa 5/2/12,13. 4. U 26/12; Taiyaae Bhikkhaeriyam. 5. Daśaru 1/3. 6. Bṛbha 1698, Tī p. 499, Daśaru 8/60. 7. Bṛbha 1697, 1698, Tī p. 499. 8. Bṛbha 1699, Tī p. 499, 500.