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## 252
## Dasha Shruta Skandha Sutra
A monk who has taken the vow of monthly begging (Maasik Bhikshu-Pratima) is allowed to speak four languages. These are:
* **Yaachani:** The language of requesting (for food, etc.)
* **Pruchhani:** The language of asking (for directions, etc.)
* **Anugyaapani:** The language of seeking permission (for a place to stay, etc.)
* **Pruthasya Vaagrani:** The language of answering questions.
**Seventh Dasha**
**Word-by-word meaning:**
* Maasikam - Monthly
* Bhikshu-Padimam - Monk - Image
* Padivannassa - Having taken the vow of begging
* Anagaara - Non-householder
* Chattari - Four
* Bhasaao - Languages
* Bhaasittae - To speak
* Kappati - Is allowed
* Tam jaha - As for example
* Yaachani - The language of requesting food, etc.
* Pruchhani - The language of asking for directions, etc.
* Anugyaapani - The language of seeking permission for a place to stay, etc.
* Putthasya Vaagrani - The language of answering questions.
**Main meaning:**
A monk who has taken the vow of monthly begging is allowed to speak four languages. These are: the language of requesting food, etc., the language of asking for directions, etc., the language of seeking permission for a place to stay, etc., and the language of answering questions.
**Commentary:**
This Sutra discusses the languages of a monk who has taken the vow of begging (Pratima-Pratipanna Anagaara). While a monk who has taken this vow should spend most of their time in silence, there are certain situations where they need to speak. The Sutra lays down rules for these situations, stating that a monk who has taken this vow is allowed to speak four languages. For example, when a monk goes out for alms and requests food, they should use the language of requesting. When they have doubts about something, they should use the language of asking to clarify the meaning. If they want to stay somewhere, they should use the language of seeking permission. If someone asks them a question, like "Who are you?", they should use the language of answering.
Apart from these four reasons, they should not speak about anything else. This is because the main tool for meditation is silence. By remaining silent, a monk can meditate without any distractions. Therefore, they should only speak when absolutely necessary. The Sutra has outlined these four essential situations.