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168
S. B. DEO
While accepting bedding from the householder, the monk had to be careful in taking only such articles as were free from eggs or living beings. Under peculiar vows he could restrict his choice regarding the quality of the bedding (santhāraga) to be accepted.160 The plank of wood was used in the rainy season. Otherwise, high beds were strictly forbidden.161
Such articles as the 'sūi(needle), 'pippalaga' (razor?), 'kaņņasohanaga' (ear-picker), 'nahacchedanaä' (nail-parer) were to be returned to the owner immediately and no exchange of these with other monks was allowed without the permission of the owner.162 Articles like umbrellas, chowries and shoes were not allowed.163
BEGGING AND FOOD :
The practice of ideal conduct being dependent on pure food begged in a pure way, the monk had to be very careful regarding its acquisition. Out of the Angas, the Acārānga, and among the Mülasūtras, the Daśavaikālika, give a number of rules for begging food. How to go out?
Taking with him his complete outfit, the monk started at a proper time to beg alms.164 Along the tour, he did not keep company either with householders or heretics,165 and walked in a quiet and unexcited way, 166 looking to a distance of a yuga before him.167 When not to go?
If there was heavy rain, thick mist, high gale or a crowd of insects flying in the air, then the monk was not allowed to go for begging.168 So also, he was not to choose such a time when the food was either not prepared or was already distributed, or when the people were engaged in milching the cow. 169
160. Acar. II, 2, 3, 13-21 (pp. 132-4). 161. Uttar. XV, 4; XXI, 22; Dsv. 6, 55-56. 162. Acār. II, 7, 1, 4-5 (p. 172).
163. Stk. 1, 9, 18 (p. 303); Dśv. 3, 4; Thān. p. 233a and comm. p. 234a forbid five kinds of skins: that of a goat, ram, buffalo, deer and cow. It may be noted, however, that a certain merchant called Dhana (Nāyā. p. 158) is said to have given shoes (ovāhanāö), umbrellas (chattaga) even to the Nigganthas.
164. Ācār. II, 1, 3, 6 (p. 96). 165. Ibid. II, 1, 1, 7 (p. 90). 166. Ibid. II, 1, 5, 1 (p. 99). 167. Dšv. 5, i, 2-3. 168. Ibid. 5, i, 8; Acār. II, 1, 3,9 (pp. 96-97). 169. Ibid. II, 1, 4, 3 (p. 98).
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