Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
## Nishīth Sūtra
If there is an abundance of Kanakhjūra (a type of insect), rats, scorpions, snakes, etc., one should definitely take Pāt-ghās (a type of grass) and other such things. Otherwise, there may be Jīva-virādhanā (killing of living beings), Samyama-virādhanā (violation of vows), and Ātma-virādhanā (violation of the self).
During Chaturmas, sleeping on wet or damp ground will make the Upadhi (body) more polluted. This will lead to Apkāya-virādhanā (violation of the body) when it rains during Gocharī (a period of travel) and other such occasions. Otherwise, if the Upadhi becomes too polluted, it will lead to the birth of living beings. Due to the pollution, the Upadhi will become cold and infested with lice, causing sleeplessness. Sleeplessness will lead to indigestion, and indigestion will lead to diseases. Therefore, one should definitely take Pāt, Ghās, etc., when the ground is wet or damp.
Here, the generation of lice is mentioned. The Āgamas state that a Sadhu (Jain monk) should endure "Jall Pariṣah" (wetness) and not bathe. The Pratikramāṇa (a daily ritual of repentance) also mentions "Chhappāi-saṅghaṭṭanāe" (a type of fault) in the section on sleeplessness. However, the above discussion suggests that during Chaturmas, there is a high possibility of lice generation due to rain and the lack of sunlight on clothes. Therefore, it is appropriate to keep the Upadhi clean and ensure that it does not become polluted. Hence, one should take the necessary bedding and other materials.
**Penance for not removing bedding that has become wet due to rain:**
52. **Je Bhikkhu Uubaddhiyam vā Vāsāvāsiyam vā Sejjasanthārayam Uvari Sijjāmāṇam Pehāe Na Osārei, Na Osāretāṁ vā Sāijjai.**
52. A Bhikkhu (Jain monk) who sees his bedding, which he has taken for the remaining period or for the rainy season, becoming wet due to rain, and does not remove it, or who approves of someone who does not remove it, (incurs a minor monthly penance).
**Discussion:** "Uvari Sijjāmāṇam" - becoming wet due to rain.
The meaning of this Sūtra is that if any Upadhi, which is returnable, such as bedding, etc., is becoming wet due to rain, etc., it is proper to remove it and keep it in a safe place. Not removing it is a cause for penance.
Although no one wants their own Upadhi to become wet, there is a greater possibility of negligence in removing returnable bedding, etc., when it is seen becoming wet. Therefore, it is mentioned in the Sūtra. However, one should understand from the implication that it applies to all types of Upadhi.
Although going out in the rain is a cause for violation, the penance for neglecting to remove wet bedding is mentioned because it can lead to many other faults.
Becoming wet can make the Upadhi unusable for some time, unfit for writing, swollen, and can lead to the generation of insects like Kuṭhuve, etc. It can also lead to Apkāya-virādhanā (violation of the body). If the owner of the item finds out, they may become angry and criticize. Such negligence can also make it difficult to obtain bedding, etc.