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[Nishīthasūtra
Penance for not returning bedding properly
54. A monk who takes bedding that is to be returned, and uses it without returning it, or approves of someone who does so.
55. A monk who takes bedding from a householder's house, and uses it without returning it in the same condition, or approves of someone who does so.
54. A monk who takes bedding that is to be returned [brought from someone else], and uses it without returning it, or approves of someone who does so.
55. A monk who takes bedding from a householder's house, and uses it without returning it in the same condition and without taking care of it, or approves of someone who does so. (He incurs a minor monthly penance.)
Discussion - It is the duty of a monk to return bedding [or any other item] that is to be returned to its owner before using it.
The bedding taken from a householder's house remains there. But if the monk, according to his need, separates the bamboo slats, etc., that are tied together, it is called 'vikaraṇa' (alteration), and not separating them is called 'avikaraṇa' (non-alteration). Therefore, one should use it only after returning it in the same condition and taking care of it. Otherwise, there is a possibility of many faults. This should be understood from the previous sutras [52-53].
Penance for not searching for lost bedding
56. A monk who does not search for lost bedding that is to be returned, or bedding from a householder's house, or approves of someone who does not search.
56. A monk who does not search for lost bedding that is to be returned, or bedding from a householder's house, or approves of someone who does not search. (He incurs a minor monthly penance.)
Discussion - If a monk knowingly or unknowingly takes either of these types of bedding, he should not neglect to inquire about them, search for them, and inform the owner. Neglecting to do so can lead to many faults, which should be understood from the previous sutras.
The rules regarding penance, as mentioned in these three sutras [54-55-56], are also mentioned in three sutras of the Brihatkalpasutra, Uddesaka 3. These are also explained separately in the Bhashya and Churni.
The Bhashya provides a detailed description of the types of bedding, the types of faults, the types of penance, and the methods of searching. Those who are curious can obtain detailed information from there.
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