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[Nishith Sutra Nitya Niwas Prayashchitta
37. A monk who resides or approves of the residence of another monk in a place for a period of one month or four months, violating the prescribed limits, incurs a minor monthly penance.
Discussion - According to Praachana Shruti 2, Chapter 2, Verse 2, two actions are considered as faults in relation to the prescribed limits: 1. Kalaatikrant Kriya 2. Upasthana Kriya. Kalaatikrant Kriya
If a monk does not move from a place after staying there for one month (29 days) or does not move from a place after staying there for four months (from Ashadh Purnima to Kartik Purnima), then he incurs a fault called 'Kalaatikrant Kriya'. Upasthana Kriya
If a monk stays in a place for one month and then returns to the same place without spending two months elsewhere, or if he stays in a place for four months and then returns to the same place without spending eight months elsewhere, then he incurs a fault called 'Upasthana Kriya'.
The practice of both these actions is considered as 'Nitya Vas', and the minor monthly penance mentioned in the sutras is for this Nitya Vas.
The fundamental reason for prohibiting Nitya Vas and prescribing penance for it is that constant residence in one place without any reason leads to excessive familiarity, which can lead to either contempt or attachment, and the increase of attachment inevitably leads to a decline in character. Therefore, it is essential to spend twice the time elsewhere after one month or four months.
According to the Dashavaikalik Dvitiya Chulika Gatha 11, the calculation of the period for not returning to a place where one has stayed for four months is as follows:
After the four months of the four-month period, when eight months (twice the period) have passed, the four-month period comes again, making it a total of three times the period. It is essential to follow this prescribed limit.
The Agamas do not provide any exceptions for staying in a place after the prescribed period. However, the commentary verses 1021-1024 mention that Nitya Vas is considered faultless in situations like illness, etc., and for the growth of knowledge and other virtues, and such a monk is considered to be abiding by the teachings of the Jina and in restraint.
For a detailed explanation of Nitya Vas, refer to the commentary.
Pre-Post Sanstav Prayashchitta
38. A monk who praises the donor before or after receiving alms, or approves of someone who does so, incurs a minor monthly penance.
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