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## Nishīthasūtra 33:
**33. A monk who takes or approves of taking alms, food, or drink beyond the limit of two kosas, incurs the minor four-month penance.**
**[278]**
**Discussion:**
The regulation of the excellent area limit for taking or bringing food is stated in Uttarādhāyaṇa Praśna 26, and in the Brihatkalpa Uddesaka 4, it is forbidden to take food beyond half a yojana. If one goes beyond this limit by mistake, it is forbidden to eat that food, and penance is also prescribed for eating it. The present sūtra only prescribes penance for taking food beyond the limit.
**Consequences of taking food beyond two kosas:**
1. More water will be taken.
2. More weight will lead to more labor.
3. The absence of a limit will increase the collection of wealth.
4. Attachment to food will increase.
5. A tradition of many other faults will grow.
The area limit of half a yojana is stated in the Āgamas. This limit is mentioned to avoid the collection of wealth. This limit is from the place of residence in all four directions, meaning that a monk can go for alms up to half a yojana in all four directions from his residence, and while traveling, he can take food and water with him up to half a yojana from his residence.
This area limit is based on the human body, which is measured in angulas.
**4 kosas**
**2 kosas**
**1 yojana**
**1/2 yojana**
**1 kosa**
**2 kosas**
**2000 dhanush**
**43 miles = 7 kilometers**
In Brihatkalpa Uddesaka 3, half a kosa is mentioned as an additional limit in each direction. This is mentioned in relation to going to a place called Sthandila.
Two and a half kosas in one direction and including two directions is called an avagraha of five kosas. Therefore, the main center of the area limit is considered to be the monk's place of residence - the upāśraya.
"Sese sakosa mandala, mula nibandha anumuyantaṇam." - Bri. Bha. Ga. 4845
**Meaning:** If there is no obstacle in any direction, such as a mountain, river, or sea, then one should understand the avagraha as a mandala shape with a length of one kosa and one yojana, without leaving one's original place. That is, the diameter (length) of the circular area formed in all four directions should be one kosa and one yojana.