Aspects of Jaina Monasticism

Author(s): Nathmal Tatia, Mahendramuni
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 81

Sthavira-Kalpa 49
might be selected with the permi- (v) Guest Monks : Great care ssion of the owner.42 For the us- was taken for the comforts of the able (prāyogya) equipments such guest monks. If there was no as cot, mat, spittoon, etc., and the accommodation, an even number use of the spots of the abode for of monks could be transferred to easing oneself, washing robes, and other abodes to accommodate the so on, express permission was need guests. But if the abode was eared. In the absence of an express marked in advance for particular permission, it would be taken as monks, the guest monks were appimplied, on the analogy of the rised of the fact. But if, in spite example of hospitality (bhojana- of such apprising, the guest monks drstānta), which automatically continued to occupy the abode, included all aspects of lodging and they were liable to a light-monthly boarding.43
penance (laghu-māsika). 47 As regards the owner's query (vi) Selection of Site for Cemeabout the duration of the stay, no tery: Another important part of
te answer was to be given, or the survey work was the selection
decision could be left to the of cemetery (mahästhandila). Malaowner himself or the ācārya, accor- yagiri48 here mentions that selecding to the circumstance, though tion of a suitable place for disposal ordinarily the duration was only of dead bodies was an important one month. The numerical strength item of town planning in those of the monks was to be kept inde- days. In fact, the planning started finite by comparing the function of with such selection as the first the ācārya to that of the ocean item. which constantly expands and con- As regards the location of the tracts and has the capacity to acco- cemetery, the following diagram mmodate all that may seek shelter. will illustrate their directions in There are, however, expiations order of priority : prescribed for the unauthorized use of the equipments,44 and also for defining the duration of the stay, or the numerical strength of the monks in advance.45
If the owner himself happened to select the particular monks for stay or propose a particular number irrespective of who those monks were, that was tantamount to lack of permission. Monks should not accept such abode under ordinary circumstances. But if no other
4 suitable abode was available, they could use such abode 46
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