Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
## The Seventeenth Uddeshak
[387]
**Discussion:** If a monk were to describe the characteristics of his body in such a way as to say, "The lines on my hands and feet, the marks of the moon, the wheel, the goad, etc., and my well-proportioned and perfect body, these characteristics will surely make me an Acharya," then he would incur the Praayaschitta mentioned in the Sutras.
It is a fault to be proud of becoming an Acharya. Such pride may lead to someone becoming agitated, the knowledge of auspicious signs may become false, someone with animosity may try to kill him knowing that he will become an Acharya, etc. Knowing the possibility of such faults and understanding the teachings of the Bhagavan, a monk should not reveal such characteristics, but should remain serious and humble, progressing in the virtues of restraint.
Pride and self-praise lead to the loss of virtues and good deeds.
When establishing a new Acharya, a Sthavir or Acharya, etc., may want to know about the characteristics, or if an unsuitable person is being appointed to the position, then for the sake of the Sangha's dignity, one can reveal their characteristics, either by themselves or through others, but there should be no thought of pride, conflict, or stubbornness.
**Praayaschitta for Singing, etc.**
135. A monk who 1. sings, 2. laughs, 3. plays a musical instrument, 4. dances, 5. acts, 6. imitates the sound of a horse, 7. imitates the roar of an elephant, 8. imitates the roar of a lion, or approves of those who do so, incurs a Laghu-Chaumasik Praayaschitta.
**Discussion:** All the above activities are indicative of a curious mind and are born from the arising and stimulation of the karma of attachment. A monk strives for victory over the senses and the pacification of attachment, therefore these activities are unsuitable for him.
If singing is done for the purpose of promoting Dharma in a Dharmakatha, then it cannot be considered a subject of Praayaschitta. But if it is a song for entertainment, secular in nature, and the goal is to showcase singing skills, then it is worthy of Praayaschitta.
Laughing, playing musical instruments, dancing, acting, imitating someone out of curiosity, and imitating the sounds of animals like elephants, horses, monkeys, lions, etc., are all useless activities on the path of restraint and should be abandoned. These activities can also lead to self-restraint and harm to living beings. Those who do such things are called "Kaandapika" in Uttaradhyayanasutra 35, who, being opposed to restraint, attain a bad destiny. Therefore, the Sutras mention Praayaschitta for such activities.