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## The Third Stage
**With Hindi Commentary**
**86**
Therefore, one should never sit, stand, etc. on the bed, seat, etc. of the Ratnakara without obtaining his permission. However, if one sits on his seat to perform service (Vyayavritti) due to his illness, etc., with his permission, then there is no Ashatana. Therefore, one should perform self-welfare while being devoted to the Guru.
Now the Sutrakar again describes the Ashatana of the same subject:
**33**
**Sehe Rayaniyassa Ucchaasanansi Va Samaasanansi Va Chitthitta Va Nisiitta Va Tuyattita Va Bhavai Asayana Sehass. ||33||**
**Shaiksho Ratnikasyo Ucchaasane Va Samaasane Va Staata Va Nisiidita Va Tvagvartita Va Bhavatyaashatana Shaikshasya. ||33||**
**Paddarthanvaya:** Sehe - disciple, Rayaniyassa - of the Ratnakara, Ucchaasanansi - on a high seat, Va - or, Samaasanansi - on an equal seat, Chitthitta Va - standing, or, Nisiitta - sitting, Va - or, Tuyattita - lying down, Va - or, Sehass - disciple, Asayana - Ashatana, Bhavai - becomes.
**Mulaartha:** If the disciple stands, sits, or lies down on a seat higher than the Guru or on an equal seat, then he experiences Ashatana.
**Teeka:** This Sutra states that the disciple should never take a seat higher than the Guru or an equal seat, because it leads to a breach of humility and an increase in self-will. It also poses a threat to the humility of other disciples, as faults spread faster than virtues. Therefore, the disciple should not engage in any act that reveals his lack of humility.
It is forbidden to sit, etc. on a seat higher than the Guru or an equal seat, but there is no fault in sitting on a higher or equal seat with the Guru's permission in accordance with the time, if there is a special reason like illness, etc. This is the exception.