Aspects of Jaina Monasticism

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

Page 86

54 The Four Monastic Courses tāpa).74
sinful both for the alms-giver and Similarly the mortifier and the the monk to give and take what was monks under the sway of the pas- 'impure' (i.e., not in conformity sions would also incur such offen with the basic rules of the scripces for reasons which are obvious. ture). But in circumstances of The mortifier may collect necessary famine and other exigencies, it was alms for his ācārya, and nothing considered positively wholesome to for himself. The monks under the offer or receive what was even no sway of passions may anger the strictly according to the rules, on alms-giver, and thus do harm to his the analogy of alms offered and religious faith. The peeper and accepted for the sick monks.76 studious monks may also incur the The usable (prayogya) food and offences of avaşvaşkaņa and abhis drink fall under two categories : (i) vaşkaņa (=utsvaşkana) as already samcayia (Skt. sañcayika), i.e., explained in the case of the indo- storable, such as ghee, molasses, lent, drowsy and gluttonous atten- sweets, etc., and (ii) asamcayia (Skt. dant monks.
asañcayika), i.e., non-storable such (xviii) Monks fit for service : In as milk, yoghurt, boiled rice, soup, order to avoid all these blemishes etc.. The usables of the first cateand offences, it is necessary that the gory should be accepted only at attendant monk should be free from intervals when unavoidably required all the above-mentioned defects, for the sick and the guests, while and should positively be (a) kada- those of the latter category can yogi (Skt. krtayogin), i.e., experien- be freely accepted for daily use ced and adept, (6) nāya-sīlāyāra from the pivotal families (sthāpanā. (Skt. jñāta-śīlācāra), i.e., well-versed kula).77 in the vows and the cakravāla-sām- (xx) Deportment at Begging of ācāri, (c) gurubhattimā (gurubhakti- Food and Drink (Bhaktapāna-grahane mān), i.e., devoted to the guru, and sāmācāri): The monks should pro(d) vinīta, i.e., modest. These quali- perly consider the following points fications of the attendant monks while going to the alms-giver: are considered very valuable for the (a) The quantity of rice, etc., welfare and prosperity of the Order (davvappamāna) cooked there. because such attendants are capable (b) Counting (ganaņā) the meaof infusing faith in the alms-giver sures of ghee, etc., used there or and also train him in rendering pro- counting of number of persons who per service to monks and nuns, dine there. among whom there can be practi- (c) The salty dainties, conditioners of different intensive cour- ments, etc, or curry (khäria). ses requiring special knowledge on (d) Incensed or flavoured (phothe part of the alms-giver to satisfy dia) with pepper, jiraka (cumin their needs.75
seed), etc.. (xix) Pure and Impure Alms : (e) The proper time (addhā) In the conditions of bounty, it was when alms are available there.