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## Chapter 64: Dasha Shruta Skandha Sutra, Third Dasha
**Verse 0:**
**Original Meaning:** When walking, standing, or sitting in front of, at the same level as, or very close to the Ratnakara (teacher), the student experiences Ashatana (disrespect).
**Commentary:** This Sutra discusses nine types of Ashatana. The Nirukta-kara (etymologist) explains the word "Ashatana" as follows: "Tatra-ayaha-samyagdarshanadyavaptilkshanastasya shatana-khandana-nirukta-ashatana." This means that Ashatana is the act of breaking or destroying the attainment of right vision, etc. The "ya" in the word "ayaha" is dropped due to the rule "prishoudaraaditvat lopha." This is how the word "Ashatana" is derived.
In common parlance, Ashatana is what we call disrespect or rudeness. While the word "Ashatana" encompasses all forms of rudeness, here it specifically refers to disrespect. This is because respect and courtesy bring happiness and peace to all beings, making them desirable for everyone.
In the Sutra, the words "Ratnakara" and "Shaiksha" are used in contrasting meanings. The implication is that "Shaiksha" refers to the smaller, while "Ratnakara" refers to the larger. The word "Shaiksha" denotes the smaller, and "Ratnakara" denotes the larger.
Now, a question arises: What is the difference between the smaller and larger in the worldly and transcendental contexts? The answer is that in worldly affairs, "smaller" and "larger" are usually determined by birth and position. However, in the transcendental context, "smaller" and "larger" are determined by initiation and position. The Vrittikara (commentator) clarifies this by saying, "Avam agitartho laghu," meaning that in terms of education and initiation, the smaller is smaller, and the larger is larger. Except for the Acharya and Upadhyaya, the rest of the Muni-varga (order of monks) are addressed as "Shaiksha."
"Ratnakara" is the name given to someone who has been initiated recently. Due to their abundance of qualities, they are called "Ratnakara," meaning "mine of jewels." It is with reference to them that the thirty-three Ashatanas are mentioned in this Sutra.
Of the thirty-three Ashatanas, the first nine relate to the three actions of walking, standing, and sitting. For example, it is considered Ashatana for a student to walk in front of, at the same level as, or behind the Acharya, Upadhyaya, or a senior Ratnakara while touching their clothes.