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.PARADOS
the householder to provide comforts to an ascetic even by indulging in various sinful activities. This has chances of blemishing asceticdiscipline or vows of an ascetic. Acharya Shri Atmaramji M. has elaborated this subject with great clarity. We quote his words,
This chapter discusses in details the topic of para-kriya. It informs that if a householder wants to clean the feet or body of an ascetic, wash them with cold or hot water, massage them with greasy substances; cleans his wounds or gives surgical treatment to his ailments like fistula; takes the ascetic in his lap or puts him in bed to massage his body and adorn him with ornaments; cuts or dresses his nails or hair on his head, body and private parts; then the ascetic should not get involved in that para-kriya by desiring for it, telling to do it or making a gesture to get it done. He should emphatically forbid such activities
These directions are particularly for a Jinakalpi ascetic who does not take medicine even when sick. The Sthavir-kalpi ascetics may take faultless and acceptable medicines. In Jnata Sutra there is a mention of Shailak Rajarshi taking treatment. However, an ascetic should not get oil massage (etc.) done by a householder without some special reason. Only for these reasons even touching of feet of an ascetic by a householder is censured. This censure is not in context of devotion but that of services like oil massage (etc.). Bhagavan has not censured touching of feet out of devotion. It is mentioned in the Upasakdashanga Sutra that when Gautam visited Anand Shravak, the later touched his feet. This indicates that if a householder wants to touch the feet of an ascetic to wash them or for hospitality, the ascetic should refuse. This topic of hospitality is for both Jinakalpi and Sthavir-kalpi ascetics. In other words no ascetic should get his feet etc. washed or massaged from a householder.
In the same way an ascetic should forbid activities like adorning him with ornaments or dressing his hair, nails etc. after taking him in his lap or putting him in bed. The text indicates that this rule is for Jinakalpi ascetic who only carries ascetic-broom and a piece of cloth to cover his mouth. This is because it directs an ascetic to forbid a householder to cut or dress hair on his head, armpit and private parts. आचारांग सूत्र (भाग २)
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Acharanga Sutra (Part 2)
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