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APARIGRAHA - THE HUMANE SOLUTION
The apavādas (exceptions)
Under normal circumstances, the Jaina monks and nuns of both Digambara and Svetāmbara sects are supposed to have only a restricted number of requisites. The monks are allowed noticeable relaxations in the vow in unusual or exceptional circumstances regarding the prescribed number of requisites. They are permitted to extend the number of requisites in such exceptional circumstances. This relaxation is obviously an expression of the pragmatic approach of the Jainas. Thus for instance, Vyavahāra Sūtra says that a capable monk should keep only one begging bowl but if he has to serve and help other monks he is allowed to possess more than the prescribed number of begging bowls and other requisites. Likewise, he is allowed to keep the necessary medicines for the ailing monks. These are termed only as relaxations in exceptional circumstances. They are not to be seen as transgressions of the vow. This is a separate and interesting study in the Jaina monastic code. Transgressions or violations of the vow of aparigrahaentails punishment and atonement for the monks, whereas for permitted exceptions to the rule, no such punishment or atonement is required. Transgressions and punishments
Regarding transgressions of this precept, S.B. Deo remarks: “Even though literary evidence is scanty to prove the violation of this vow by the monks, inscriptions refer to a number of instances in which the monks were given gifts of land by royal patrons in connection with the temples. It is a moot point what kind of ownership was implied by such dedication of lands”l. Dr. S.B. Deo also refers to the studies of Mrs. Stevensona and others who have found some Jaina monks using gold spectacles and possessing currency-notes etc. These are obviously instances of transgressions of the precept. It is also worth noting that many such transgressions went unnoticed by the head of the order. However, we also read that for accepting a piece of cloth worth eighteen Pataliputra rupees the monk had to undergo a punishment called
1. 2.
History of Jaina Monachism - S.B. Deo - P.435. Heart of Jainism - Mrs. Stevenson.
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