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HISTORY OF JAINA MONACHISM
273 knots (ajjhusira). The handle covered with the nisejjā was to be such as to pass through the cavity formed if the first finger is kept on the thumb. The wool-ends were to be tied firmly to the stick by thrice rolling the thread round the stick-end and then giving it a knot.343 Total Length of the Broom :
The wooden handle was twenty-four angulas and the threads (daśikā), eight angulas in length. The length of either the stick or the woollen ends was allowed to be varied but the aggregate length was not to exceed thirtytwo angulas.344 Improper Use :
Using a broom which was more in length, or having fine threads, or giving it only one tie (bandha), or more than three times, binding it in an improper way (avihië), or binding it in a kandūsaga way (?), holding it loosely, or using it as pillow (ussisa-mula), or breaking it were taken to be transgressions, and a monk had to undergo a punishment for these.345.. Muhañantaga (mukhānantaka) : 346
This was also called 'muhapottī,347 and explained in Sanskrit as 'mukhavastrikā.
Its Purpose :
This piece of cloth was tied over the mouth to keep away all insects or dusts getting into it. So also, while sweeping the monastery this mouthpiece was tied over the mouth for the same purpose, 348 Its Size :
The mouthpiece was either four angulas in breadth or it was of that size which made it possible to have a knot at the back. Only a single mouthpiece was allowed for each monk.349 Danda:
A variety of sticks is mentioned in the Oghaniryukti.350 They are the Latthi, Vilatthi, Danda and Vidanda.
343. Ogha-N. 707; comm. p. 214a. 344. Ogha-N. 709. 345. Nis. 5, 67-77; see Appendix 1. 346. Ogha-N. 288, 628. 347. Ibid., 511, Nis. 4, 24; also, Bhagavati 139a; Uttar. 26, 23. 348. Ogha-N, 712. 349. Ibid., 711; Comm. pp. 214, 215a.
350.730; Comm. p. 218a; Pinda-N. v. 46; Danda and Laţthi: See Nis. 1, 40; Bhag. 374b. BULL, DCRI.-35
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