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## 184] [Brihatkalpa Sutra: The Law of Receiving Clothes and Other Possessions According to One's Ratnas (Merits)
**18. It is the law that Nigganthas (male ascetics) and Nigganthis (female ascetics) should receive clothes in the order of their Charitraparaya (spiritual progress).**
**Explanation:** A Sadhu (male ascetic) or Sadhvi (female ascetic) with a higher Charitraparaya is called a Ratnas (one with merits). When a Sadhu or Sadhvi receives clothes from a householder, they should be received in the order of their Charitraparaya. The Sadhu or Sadhvi with the highest Charitraparaya should be given clothes first, followed by those with lower Charitraparaya. The word "clothes" here is a general term, so other possessions like bowls, etc., should also be received and given according to the order of Charitraparaya. Giving or receiving in reverse order would be disrespectful to the Ratnas, leading to envy and other negative emotions, which are against the principles of Sadhu conduct. The Bhashyakar (commentator) has prescribed atonement for Sadhus and Sadhvis who give or receive in reverse order.
**19. It is the law that Nigganthas and Nigganthis should receive beds and bedding in the order of their Charitraparaya.**
**Explanation:** The word "bed" refers to a dwelling or shelter. The things used for sitting, like mats, cushions, etc., are called "bedding." These should also be received in the order of Charitraparaya.
The Niyuktikar (author) and Bhashyakar, while establishing the law of receiving beds and bedding according to one's Ratnas, have further clarified that after the Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Pravartaka (three types of spiritual teachers), the Sadhu who has come from another gana (group) to receive knowledge and other merits should be given a place for his bed and bedding. After him, the sick Sadhu should be given a place, followed by the Sadhu with fewer possessions (clothes), then the Sadhu striving for Karmakshaya (destruction of karmas), then the Sadhu who has taken a vow to not wear clothes at night, then the Sthavira (elder), then the Gani, Ganadhara, Ganavacchedaka (different types of spiritual leaders), and finally other Sadhus should be given a place for their beds and bedding.
It is further explained that a newly initiated or young Sadhu should be given a place to sleep near a Ratnas Sadhu, who can take care of him at night. Similarly, a Sadhu who is traveling should be given a place near a sick Sadhu, so that he can take care of the sick Sadhu as needed. And a Shaiksha Sadhu (student) who is studying scriptures should be given a place near the Upadhyaya, etc., with whom he is studying, so that he can receive help from them during his study sessions.