________________
Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
70
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
AKARANGA SUTRA.
1
A mendicant who has resolved, that he will, when sick, accept the assistance of fellow-ascetics in good health, when they offer (assistance) without being asked, and that vice versa he, when in health, will give assistance to sick fellow-ascetics, offering it without being asked-(he should not deviate from his resolution though he die for want of help). (3)
Taking the vow to beg (food, &c.) for another (who is sick), and to eat (when sick) what is brought by another; taking the vow to beg, &c., and not to eat what is brought; taking the vow not to beg, &c., but to eat what is brought; taking the vow neither to beg, &c., nor to eat what is brought(one should adhere to that vow). Practising thus the law as it has been declared, one becomes tranquil, averted from sin, guarded against the allurements of the senses. Even thus (though sick) he will in due time put an end to existence. This (method) has been adopted by many who were free from delusion; it is good, wholesome, proper, beatifying, meritorious. Thus I say. (4)
the food &c. is acceptable or not. This is called the grahanai
shanâ.
1 Sâhammiya sâdharmika, one who follows the same rule in cases where different rules are left to the option of the mendicants. The word abhikamkha=abhikânkshya is not translated, the commentator makes it out to mean, wishing for freedom from sinful acts.
2 As in the preceding lesson a man who cannot conquer his sensuality, is permitted to commit suicide (by hanging himself, &c.), in order to put an end to his trials and temptations, so in this lesson a man whos sickness prevents him from persevering in a life of austerities, is permitted to commit suicide by rejecting food and drink. This is called bhaktapânapratyâkhyânamukti. It seems therefore to have been regarded as leading to final liberation (mukti).
For Private and Personal Use Only
