Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
## Translation:
[426]
It is not appropriate for a monk to study the meaning of the sutras on their own if they have not received the recitation from a Nishīthasūtra practitioner or if there is no one in their lineage who is qualified to give the recitation. Similarly, it is not appropriate to accept the recitation if the Acharya or Upadhyaya has forbidden it. If, for some specific reason, the Acharya or Upadhyaya has forbidden the recitation of the original text or its meaning, then the recitation of the Agamas should be taken only after obtaining their permission. Until the permission of the Acharya or others is received, one should increase their tapas and restraint to attain qualification.
If the Acharya or others have forbidden it out of malice, then one should try to appease them through Vinaya or request it from other knowledgeable individuals in the lineage, such as the Gītartha Ganavacchedaka. However, one should not accept the scriptures through the prescribed method until permission is received. In both general and specific situations, accepting the scriptures without permission incurs the prāyaścitta mentioned in the sutras.
In the sutras, the word "gir" refers to the Jina's teachings, which are considered the Agamas. The mention of both Acharya and Upadhyaya is because both are involved in giving the recitation. The Upadhyaya gives the recitation of the original sutras, while the Acharya gives the recitation of the meaning and ultimate meaning of the sutras.
Currently, there are many lineages and many sects where there are no Acharyas or Upadhyayas, and even among those who exist, there are few who are knowledgeable in the scriptures and experts in the exceptions. Even they, being busy with social responsibilities, are unable to give regular recitations of the Agamas to qualified disciples. Therefore, it is beneficial for qualified disciples to obtain permission from their Gurudev and then recite, contemplate, and reflect on the Agamas. Because modern publications of the Agamas contain word meanings, meanings, and detailed discussions, studying those sutras on one's own can be particularly beneficial.
Therefore, one should recite the sutras with discernment, following the order of study, after obtaining permission from their Gurudev. Reciting on one's own after obtaining permission from the Gurudev does not incur the prāyaścitta for "unauthorised recitation" mentioned in the sutras, and one also benefits from familiarity with the scriptures and self-study.
The prāyaścitta for exchanging recitations with a householder is:
24. A monk who gives a recitation to another ascetic or a householder, or approves of someone giving a recitation, incurs a prāyaścitta.
25. A monk who accepts a recitation from another ascetic or a householder, or approves of someone accepting a recitation, incurs a prāyaścitta. [They receive the prāyaścitta of a small Caturmāsa.]
Discussion: Just as in the second Uddesaka, the words "householder" and "another ascetic" refer to "Bhiksācara householder" ...