Agam 24 Chhed 01 Nishith Sutra Part 01 Sthanakvasi

Author(s): Amarmuni, Kanhaiyalal Maharaj
Publisher: Amar Publications

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notable amongst such Exceptions is like this : in general the saints have not the freedom or liberty to move about in the forbidden areas. If none can recognise the particulars of the saints, the saints have the full liberty to change the dress, can cook for themselves, can procure fruits from others; this is not all. They can freely accept non-vegetarian preparations; but for all such extraordinary exceptions, there is room for prāyaścitta. If any Sadhu wants to change his abode (upāśraya) just for the sake of nonvegetarian food, he can do so with impunity, again for such a change there is provision for prāyaścitta. In event of a disease, anything can be taken in a surreptitious way, even if it were considered theft; and they can resort to the magic effect too for curing any physical maladies. In medicines Hamsa's oil, which is much worse than taking meal, is allowed liberally: under desparate condition he is allowed even to steal it; for all such unimaginable exceptions, rules are there for prāyaścitta, with the hope that expiation can restore the lost spiritual capital; the author of Cũrņi has discussed in details the methods of extracting oil from Hamsa.
It is a universal truth about Mahāvīra's insistance on vigorous observance of the ethical principle, even in the face of death No medical treatment was provided to any saint. But once the medical treatment was allowed in the from of Exception, it became a common feature for all ailing saints. From the Niśītba Gāthâs 347 and 343 it is self-evident to what extent the practice of preparing medicine developed, no nia:ter whether there is any consistency between such procedures followed and the original doctrines taught by Mahāvīra. The Jain Sådhus had to maintain secrecy of such exceptions made in order not to expose themselve to the criticism and condemnation by Sadhus of other faiths. Otherwise there was every fear that Jainism would be the target of severe condemnation by the champions of other religions. Yet the saints of those times tried their best to be faithful to the teachings of Tirthankars or succeeded to a great extent to safeguard
1. 2.
N. Cūrni Gāthā-3439. N. Gāthā-3456-7,