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The Number of Bhikshu Pratimas
The number of Bhikshu pratimas is 12 and these are practiced in the prescribed sequences. However it is not necessary that after one pratima is successfully concluded the ascetic has to compulsorily observe the following pratima. It depends on the strength and determination of the ascetic to continue observing later pratimas.
Although the pratimas are generally practiced in the prescribed sequence, some extremely strong and determined ascetics skip the earlier pratimas and practice the twelfth Bhikshu pratima: as was done by ascetic Gajasukumal. The detailed story of Gajasukumal is available in Antakriddasha Sutra.
The description of Bhikshu pratimas is available in the 7th chapter of Dashashrutaskandh. Based on this, a brief description of the 12 Bhikshu pratimas in prescribed sequence is given here.
The Attitude and Activity of a Pratimadhari Shraman
A Pratimadhari Shraman (an ascetic observing pratimas) becomes extremely apathetic towards his body. Even if there are troubles caused by fire, water anti-social elements at the place of stay, he does not abandon that place.
If a piece of straw or sand particles fall into his eyes due to wind he refrains from removing it using his hand and tolerates the pain. In the same way if a thorn or a sliver of glass pieces his feet and sticks into it, he does not remove it. While walking if he comes on a difficult path with pebbles, he does not think of shifting to a comfortable path.
If ferocious animal like tiger, lion comes directly towards him, he does not even take one step back and just stands where he is. However, if a cow or other such harmless animal comes, he steps aside to give it way out of compassion.
If he happens to approach a colony of ants while walking and he is unable to cross over it, he just stands before it to avoid destruction of living beings.
He neither sits, walks or stands on sachit (infested with living organism) land.
In order to protect himself from cold he does not desire to stand in sun neither does he think of going into shade during summer; Sun or shade, he remains wherever he is.
During his movement at whatever spot the sun sets or the fourth quarter of the day ends. he stops there for the night may it be the center of a town, road, border of a village. dense forest or shade of a tree. He does not bother about the roar of a lion or other ferocious animals and icy winds of winter.
He tolerates with equanimity all the afflictions caused by human beings, divine beings, animals or birds.
He observes a complete discipline of speech. He speaks only for four reasons(1) to seek clothes, utensils etc. from fellow Shramans, (2) to ask questions to guru or senior and scholarly Shramans in order to remove his doubts or to a lay person to find
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Antakriddasha Mahima
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