Pachchakkhans

SR No.: 269173
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi
Total Pages: 11
Language: English
Classification: Article & 0_not_categorized
File Size: 120 KB

Page 3

be kept. The texts of Pachchakkhäns stipulate the circumstances in which such exceptions can be made. Most people do not know the meaning of the texts and therefore do not make out the built-in provisions for exceptions. Hence they tend to adhere to the vows with undue rigidity.
It should be borne in mind that Ägär does not mean permission to relax the vow. It merely provides for relaxation that can be availed in extraordinary situations. The Ägärs should not therefore be lightly availed of. They should be resorted to only in emergencies or such other exceptional circumstances. Before considering the texts of Pachchakkhäns, let us explain some of the Agärs
1) Anäbhogenam: This means 'Out of forgetfulness'. It is possible that after taking a vow for avoiding food or drink for a specified time, one may forget that he has taken the vow and may happen to take the food or drink before the stipulated time. This Ägär condones such lapse; the observance of the vow therefore remains intact in spite of the lapse.
2) Sahasägärenam: This means 'On account of sudden occurrence'. It may happen that after taking the vow for avoiding food and/or water, the person may have to face shower or thunderstorm and some drops may enter his mouth, or some one, on the occasion of some exciting event, may thrust some food in his mouth. This Ägär condones such lapse. As such, observance of the vow remains intact despite the lapse.
3) Mahattarägärenam: This means 'Under the command of authorized persons'. After a certain Pachchakkhän has been taken by some one, it may come to the notice of Sangha or Ächärya that it is not in the interest of the Sangha to observe the restraint or it is not desirable to persevere in the vow on account of some significant consideration. In that case, the Sangha or the Acharya may ask him to forgo the vow. This Ägär permits the earlier termination of the vow under such circumstances.
4) Savvasamähivattiyägärenam: This means for the sake of overall peace and tranquility. The main purpose of any religious activity is to gain peace and tranquility. If that is at stake, mere observance of the austerity does not serve any purpose. After adopting the vow for observing certain austerity it may come to the notice that the tranquility of the person concerned cannot be maintained by continuing the austerity. Since maintenance of equanimity is the principal purpose of observing an austerity, such person should be allowed to terminate it prematurely. The seers were aware of such exigency and have therefore provided for this Ägär specifically for maintaining the peace and equanimity. This Ägär happens to be specified in all the Pachchakkhāns.
5) Pachchhanakälenam: This means on account of difficulty in judging the time. As stated earlier, the time had to be measured by the sun. Some times, however, the sun may not be visible on account of rain, cloudy weather or whirlwind or on account of obstruction posed by a hill or mountain range. In such circumstances, one may be at a loss to figure out the time and may happen to terminate the vow at the wrong time. This Ägär provides for such eventuality. The lapse under such circumstances is not to be treated as a breach.
6) Disämohenam: This means 'On account of delusion about direction'. The shadow to be examined for judging the time had to be measured as falling in a particular direction. At