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## Nineteenth Uddeshak
**3.** Precious time is wasted in idle talk and other distractions.
**4.** The qualities of restraint are destroyed.
**5.** One is deprived of the benefits of self-study, austerity, and purification. As a result, the cycle of birth and death cannot be broken. Therefore, a monk should consider self-study as his paramount duty.
**Benefits of Self-Study**
**1.** Self-study leads to abundant purification.
**2.** Scriptural knowledge becomes stable and rich.
**3.** Faith, detachment, restraint, and interest in austerity increase.
**4.** The qualities of the self are strengthened.
**5.** Success is achieved in controlling the mind and senses.
**6.** Self-study is said to be the foundation of Dharma meditation, and it leads to concentration of the mind. Consequently, one attains Dharma meditation and pure meditation.
**Inspirational Agamic Sayings for Self-Study**
**1.** *Sajjhayammi Rao Saya* - A monk should always be engaged in self-study.
**2.** *Bhocca Sajjhayaraye Je Sa Bhikkhu* - He is a monk who has attained faultless knowledge.
**3.** *Sajjhaya - Sajjhaanarayassa Taaino* - The karma of the six protectors of the body is purified for those who are engaged in self-study and meditation. (Dasavai. Pra. 8, Ga. 62)
**4.** *Naanam Eggachitto Ya Thio Ya Thavai Param. Suyani Ya Ahijitaa Rao Suya Samahie* - Knowledge makes the mind one-pointed, the knower himself is stable in Dharma, and he makes others stable. Therefore, one should study the scriptures and remain in scriptural meditation. (Dasavai. Pra. 10, Ga. 15)
**5.** *Sutattham Cha Viyaanai Je Sa Bhikkhu* - He is a monk who has special knowledge of the sutras and their meaning. (Dasavai. Pra. 10, Ga. 9)
**6.** *Uttaara. Pra. 29* mentions numerous benefits, including purification, resulting from self-study and its five divisions, such as reading.
**7.** *Uttaara. Pra. 26* describes the daily routine of a virtuous person, emphasizing the allocation of significant time for self-study. This is analyzed in *Nishith Churni* as follows:
"One should engage in the study of scriptures at the beginning and end of the day, and also at the beginning and end of the night. In these four periods, one should study and contemplate. In the remaining time, one should engage in the study of scriptures during the second part of the day. One should listen to the meaning of the scriptures, and this is also a form of meditation. In the third part of the day, one should beg for alms. If one does not go out, one should study the scriptures during that time. One should study what one has learned previously..."