Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
[120]
The commentary on the Nishīth Sūtra states that after saying "Aṇujāṇaha Jassuggahoṁ," one should perform a parathnā (prayer) to avoid the disturbance of gods and demons. During the day, one should face north, and at night, one should face south. One should also avoid turning one's back towards the wind, a settlement, or the sun.
5. "Puṁchaī" - After wiping the anus with a cloth, one can achieve purity by performing āchaman (ritual rinsing) with a little water. A worn-out cloth is often found with a sādhū (holy person). The reason for prohibiting wiping with wood, etc., is to avoid any kind of injury to the delicate area. Wiping with a finger or hand does not ensure cleanliness and leaves a lingering odor, hence the prescribed atonement for using them.
6. 'Āchaman' - The sūtra states that "Ucchare Vosīrijjāmāne Avassan Pāsaṇam Bhavatī" (Urine is always present during excretion). Therefore, the sūtra mentions urine along with feces. However, after excreting feces, one should perform āchaman (washing) of the anus, not the urinary organ. Wiping the anus with a piece of cloth does not ensure complete purity and leaves a lingering impurity. Therefore, āchaman is also necessary. Failure to perform āchaman results in the prescribed atonement mentioned in the sūtra.
Performing āchaman directly over the excreted matter increases wetness, which takes longer to dry, increasing the possibility of contamination. Therefore, it is appropriate to perform āchaman at a distance. Performing āchaman in the same place increases the risk of feces getting on the hands. Performing purification too far away can lead to people believing that āchaman is not being performed.
Nāvāpūraṇam - "Nāva" refers to a hand-sized cup of water, which should be used for purification. The verse states, "Gāthā-Uccārāmāyarittā, Pareṇ Tiṇhaṁ Tu Nāvāpūraṇam."
Those who perform āchaman with three nāvāpūraṇam (handfuls of water) receive the benefits of āṇamā (spiritual merit) and other benefits.
[1880]
Using more than three nāvāpūraṇam (handfuls of water) leads to the following disadvantages:
Uccholaṇā (excessive washing) leads to a difficult path to liberation, and other disadvantages arise from it. It causes harm to insects and other creatures, and small creatures, leaves, flowers, and fruits fall into the water.
[1881]
The commentary on the tenth chapter of the fourth section states that a monk who performs excessive washing and cleansing has a difficult path to liberation. Excessive washing leads to many other disadvantages. The excessive flow of water causes pain to insects and other creatures. When water fills a pit, it traps small creatures, and leaves, flowers, and fruits fall into it.
Excessive washing leads to the defilement of restraint.
Nāvāpūraka - A hand-sized cup of water, similar in size to a nāva (boat), is called a nāvāpūraka. After excreting feces and urine, one should purify the anus with three nāvāpūraka.