Agam 30 Prakirnak 07 Gacchachar Sutra

Author(s): D S Baya
Publisher: Agam Ahimsa Samta Evam Prakrit Samsthan

Page 43

XLII: GACCHĀCĀRA PRAKĪRNAKA
dictates, are not the true monastic groups. (107-116)
On the contrary, the monastic groups in which the nuns do not quarrel with each other, in which they do not speak in violent language, and in which they do nothing contrary to the canonical dictates, is the best monastic group. (117)
Delineating the conduct of the wilful nuns it has been said that such nuns do not confess and repent for their flaws, do not obey the head nun, do not serve the ill nuns, practice mantra and astrology, wear colourful clothes, keep fancy sweeps, wash their bodies and parts thereof again and again, order the householders about, make use of their seats and beds, do not study scriptures, do not perform expiatory retractions and do not carry out timely inspections of their monastic equipage, but perform the forbidden acts. (118-134)
Concluding the volume, the author says that the contents of this work have been drawn from the canonical works such as Mahāniśītha, Kalpa (Vrhatkalpasūtra), Vyavahārasūtra etc. The monks, desirous of spiritual emancipation and liberation must study it at the time meant for scriptural study and adhere to the monastic conduct as has been described herein. (135-137)
From the study of the Gaccahācāra Prakīrṇaka it is quite clear that this work is against laxity, love for comfort and wilfulness in monastic conduct and it aims at reinforcing the canon-prescribed monastic conduct. There are many instances in the Gacchācāra Prakīrṇaka where laxity in monastic life has been opposed. In verse No. 85 it has been clearly stated that the monastic group, in which the Acarya himself touches women, must be considered as corrupt of basic monastic qualities. In the verses from 89 to 90 the monastic group that does not prohibit its