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Similarly, in the great vow of non-possession, keeping extra tools in addition to the fourteen tools is also considered possession. But books, writing materials, etc. are accepted as means of knowledge. Therefore, they are not considered possession.
In the Dashavakalik, etc., there is a clear provision that a Shraman should not sit at the house of a householder, because sitting is considered improper, but the Dashavakalik also states that a Shraman who is very old, unhealthy, or who is an ascetic can sit at the house of a householder. He is not considered guilty of house-prohibition.
In the Agam literature, while discussing the food of a Shraman, it is clearly stated that he cannot take food prepared by others. He should follow the rules of Pindeshana properly. Acharya Sheelank has written in the Sutra Kritanga Vritti that in exceptional circumstances, if a Sadhak takes food prepared by others according to the scriptures, he is pure. He is not tainted by karma.
There are many instances in the Nisihtha Bhashya where it is stated that in situations like famine, etc., a Shraman can take food prepared by others, etc., through the path of exception.
It is a provision for a Jain Shraman that he should not desire medical treatment. If he falls ill, he should bear it with a calm mind. But when it was seen that a Shraman could not remain in samadhi when he was ill, there was also contemplation regarding his treatment. How should a Shraman go to the doctors, how should he take medicine, etc., how should he be treated in case of severe leprosy, etc., all these are discussed in detail in the Niyukti, Chuni, and Bhashya. It is also clarified that the opponents should not get an opportunity to criticize by taking advantage of those exceptions. If the opponents criticize and counter-criticize, it will be an insult to the Jain religion. Therefore, it has also been hinted that it should be kept secret.
Excess and Exception:
One thing to understand here is that there is a difference between excess and exception. Although excess and exception appear similar in external view, there is a lot of difference between excess and exception. In excess, there is an emergence of attachment, and due to the emergence of attachment or desire, and due to the feeling of passion, the act of going against restraint, leaving the path of discharge, is excess, and restraint is corrupted by excess.
1. Nisihtha Chuni Bhashya 3, Introduction - Upadhyay Amarmuniji. 2. Dashavakalik 3-4-6, 8 3. Tinham Annayaragassa, Nisijja Jassa Kappae.
Jarae Abhibhueyassa Vahiassa Tavassine. - Dasha. 6-60 Sutra Kritanga 2-5, 8-9
Nisihtha Bhashya Ga. 2684 6. (a) Uttaraadhyayana 2-23 (b) Dashavakalik 3-4 (c) Nisihtha Sutra 3-28-40; 13.42-45 7. Nisihtha Chuni Ga. 345-47 8. Nisihtha Chuni Bha. 3 Introduction (Upadhyay Amarmuni)