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observance of vows, should be performed uniformly by all monks. For thai, all monks should hear the same sutra. But with regard to Jaina laymen, there is difference of opinion, because they are of different types. Though some have right faith, they do not observe vows, while others have right faith and also observe vows. Even those who observe vows observe more or less nuinber of vows; and, their observance is of different degrees. Avaśyaka-Niryukti verse 1558 declares that laymen have varied degrees of resolution (abhigraha). There is no scope for difference in the way laymen having varied degrees of resolution perform the five āvasyakus (essential acts), leaving the fourth one, as also in the sūtras which they recite while performing these live civašyukas.
The fourth āvasyakurelates to the purification of soul by confessing the past transgressions committed in the observance of vows. Transgressions are possible only in the vows taken. And vows taken by different laymen are not the same and uniform. Therefore, how can it be rational and logical if all laymen - those who have taken vows and those who have not taken Vows - consess trangressions pertaining 10 right faith, 12 vows and ritual-death-by-fasting (sallekhana) by hearing/reciting one and the sama 'Vamdiulu' sütra ? By saying micchāmi dukkadam (= 'May I be absolved of my sinsul acts') one should confess transgressions or those vows only which one has taken. Regarding the vows which one has not taken, one should only think of their meriis. By pondering over their merils one should cultivate the spiritual energy necessary for taking them (vows). If one's seeking absolution, through confession, from transgressions of the vows which one has not taken is regarded as proper, then laymen's seeking absolution, through consession, from the transgressions of great vows (mahāvratas) has also to be regarded as proper. So, there arises a question - What is the basis of the present practice of confession (pratikramana) of the form of saying micchūmi dukkadum'(= 'May I be absolved of my sinsul acts') alter having recited those concerned portions of sūtras, followed for the purpose of absolving onself from transgressions of even those vows which
