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## [32]
[Nishīthasūtra
Vivēcana]
The first sūtra describes the creation of a foot-cloth with a wooden stick, the second sūtra describes its acceptance, the third sūtra describes its placement, the fourth sūtra describes the giving of permission to accept it, the fifth sūtra describes its distribution, the sixth sūtra describes its use, the seventh sūtra describes the keeping of a foot-cloth with a wooden stick for more than a month and a half if there is a special reason, and the eighth sūtra describes the atonement for removing the wooden stick and separating it from the foot-cloth.
In the commentary and chūṇī of the first sūtra, the word "rajoharan" is mentioned, which indicates the usefulness of the foot-cloth with a wooden stick. This creates confusion, as "rajoharan" is a medicinal term, which all ordained monks carry with them throughout their lives. Therefore, what kind of "foot-cloth with a wooden stick (rajoharan)" is there and what is its use? The solution to these questions is as follows:
1. A foot-cloth is a piece of old or torn cloth, one hand long and wide.
In Bṛha. Udde. 1, sūtra 40, the names of these four implements are mentioned: cloth, vessel, blanket, and foot-cloth.
Similarly, these four names are found together in many other Āgamas. This shows that the foot-cloth is as essential and useful an implement as cloth, vessel, and blanket.
Even though it is an auxiliary implement, the use of the foot-cloth was more prevalent in ancient times.
In Utt. A. 17, gāthā 7, it is mentioned that a Śramaṇa can sit on a foot-cloth after worshipping it with rajoharan. Here, it is called "pāyakambla," and the commentator has interpreted "pāyakambla" as "foot-cloth."
If a Śramaṇa experiences a strong urge for a long bowel movement at night or in the evening, and it is not possible for the sound of the recitation to reach the ground, then he should use a foot-cloth when defecating in a secluded part of the shelter. If he does not have his own foot-cloth at that time, he should take a foot-cloth from his fellow Śramaṇa and use it. This is the rule in Ācha. Śru. 2, A. 10.| SR No. | 003462 |
| Book Title | Agam 24 Chhed 01 Nishith Sutra Stahanakvasi |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Madhukarmuni, Kanhaiyalal Maharaj, Trilokmuni, Devendramuni, Ratanmuni |
| Publisher | Agam Prakashan Samiti |
| Publication Year | 1991 |
| Total Pages | 567 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Classification | Book_Devnagari, Agam, Canon, Ethics, & agam_nishith |
| File Size | 11 MB |