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[Nishith Sutra]
The Sutra states the atonement for engaging in activities related to pulling, pushing, and navigating a boat, which are mentioned earlier.
15-16. If water fills a boat for any reason, it is not permissible for a monk to remove it using a vessel or any other means, or to close any hole from which water is entering, or to inform the boatman. The monk should remain focused in meditation, maintaining peace of mind and patience.
If these boat-related activities are performed due to circumstances, the atonement mentioned in the Sutra is applicable.
17-32. 1. On land by the river (in a place with consciousness), 2. In mud, 3. In water, 4. In a boat - a monk residing in these four places cannot accept food from a householder residing in these four places.
Acha. Shru. 2, A. 3, U. 1 states that when a monk reaches the riverbank for a boat ride, he should abandon all four types of Prahar and perform Sagari Santhara, along with keeping food and other necessities. In this case, there is no option to accept new food. Because the monk is situated in a place where there is a possibility of harming living beings, it is not appropriate for him to perform Prahar. He should remain steadfast and abstain from yogic practices. Generally, even if water droplets fall on the body due to rain or other reasons while on a journey, food is not consumed until they dry.
Due to the reasons mentioned in the discussion of the first Sutra, if it is necessary to travel by boat, and there is no other way to cross the water-filled path, the Sutra allows for boat travel. If the water is knee-deep, the method of walking across is mentioned in Pra. Shru. 2, 3, U. 2. If the body becomes weak or due to any other physical reason, the monk can stay in one place. - Vyav. U. 8, Su. 4
The boat travel mentioned in the Sutra is not for the purpose of traveling for preaching and influencing others, because Nishith U. 12 and Dasha. D. 2 allow for this only twice a month and nine times a year. This is only related to crossing the river to follow the rules of the Kalpa. Apart from this, it is inappropriate for a monk who walks on foot to take a vow to use vehicles for preaching and influencing others in a life of restraint.
According to the Utsarga rules, walking is the most appropriate way for a monk who practices restraint, and according to the exception rules, the Agama allows for crossing a limited water path by boat. The use of other vehicles is prohibited in Prashna. Shru. 2, 5. This includes elephants, horses, chariots, palanquins, and other vehicles. In special circumstances, their exceptional use should be decided wisely based on the Geetaarth's instructions. The reasons for using vehicles should be understood in relation to the atonement for Ritas and other faults, according to these boat Sutras.