________________
167
those concerning commensality, which seem to have long retained great importance. It has been seen, however, that in case of circumstances beyond one's control, the two men resign themselves to eating together but display their repugnance at doing this (187); and that, on the other hand, the teacher, in his role of support" can allow food to a faltering religious.
In short, according to this stanza, the role of the "regular" consists pove all in helping his ward to make progress in the study of the texts and of their interpretation. The penitent shows his respect, as a disciple would show respect to his master. In dispensing his teaching, the kalpasthita fulfils the third of the functions which fall to him - that of support", and particularly of spiritual support (supra). The function of material support is not otherwise defined by the commentaries: it results naturally from the general duties of the acārya, who watches over the general wellbeing of his whole company. It might be thought that he delegates this function, partially, to his "second" (infra).
The teacher likewise performed the first two charges of the "service": praise or exhortation (anusiştih stuti-karanam vā), and criticism - though this is always characterised by good will (yat sânunayopadesa-danam eşa upalanbhah, T 11 34 a 6; 9).
They are presented in general form (cf. supra Bh 1, 374). . The guru is supposed to exhort etc. "the religious who is isolated, his second, and the whole company” (sa pāriharikasyânuparihärikasya samastasyâpi gaccha
syâmušișty-adini karoti, ? III 34 b 9 f.). ... He invites the penitent to reflect upon chastisement which, in reality, p. 191 is all that cxistence is. By purifying the soul, the atonement helps to ward ... off this chastisement. The atonement must not then be regarded as a
. punishment, but as a precious assistance offered by the merciful ācārya ... (Bh 1, 375 f. = Nis Bh. 6 607 f.).
To criticise an individual is to remind him that he is the only one responsilbe for his offence, that he could not escape punishment even on this earth (and still less here-after), and that he must consequently perform the penance which he has deserved (T III 35 a; Bh 1,377=Nis Bh 6 608).
"It is thus that the teacher called "regular" encourages, reprimands and ... instructs the parihariya.
2 885;
.
:
:
The role of the "second" is defined in the gātha 368 (=Nis Bh 2 885; 6 600);
utthijja nisiijja bhikkham hindejja bhandayam pehe kuviya piya band havassa va karei iyaro vi tusinio
The penitent who cannot rise says : “I am trying to get up, to sit down etc.” Then the other must raise him, sit him down, go, begging
i
