Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
## [38]
[Nishīth Sūtra]
1. When asked about an action that has been done, to say in fear, "I did not do it." When asked about an action that has not been done, to say without thinking, "I did it." 2. When asked while sleeping, to say, "I am not sleeping."
3. To claim another's property as one's own in the dark. The prāyaścitta vidhāna for such mṛṣāvāda is in this sūtra. False words spoken out of deceit or to harm someone are not to be understood here.
**Prāyaścitta for the transgression of the third Mahāvrat**
20. The bhikṣu who accepts a small amount of something not given, or approves of the one who accepts it, (receives a laghumāsika prāyaścitta).
**Discussion:** The bhikṣu should accept every object only after requesting it.
In Daśa. A. 6, it is said that "Even a blade of grass (tṛṇa) for cleaning teeth should not be taken without permission."
In Vyav. U. 7, it is said that "Even to sit on the path, permission should be taken."
In Āchā. Śru. 2, A. 15, it is said that "The bhikṣu should always be inclined to seek permission, otherwise, it is possible to accept something not given."
In Bhag. Ś. 16, U. 2, it is described that knowing the types of avagraha, Śakrendra gives permission to all the bhikṣutrās of the Tīrthankara's reign to wander in the Bharatakṣetra and to use ownerless objects and places.
Therefore, there is a news-based method of seeking permission for such objects and places. For which, "Śakrendra's permission" or "Aṇujāṇaha Jassuggaho" is uttered.
In Āchā. Śru. 2, Pr. 7, it is said that "Even the equipment of one's sambhogi sādhus should be accepted only after obtaining permission."
In Sūy. Śru 1, A. 3, Praśna. Śru. 2, A. 3, Utt. A. 19 and A. 25, and many other Āgama texts, there is a prohibition against accepting something not given.
**Prāyaścitta for the transgression of the fourth Mahāvrat**
21. The bhikṣu who, with a small amount of cold water or hot water, washes his hands, feet, ears, eyes, teeth, head, face, or who encourages or allows someone to do so, or approves of the one who encourages or allows it.