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354
S. B. DEO The Method of Study:
The monk began the study of a text after seeking permission from the guru. He sat in the 'paryankāsana' or 'virāsana' posture. He had to undergo a fast up to the fifth meal (pañca) or perform kāyotsarga at the beginning or at the end of texts like the 'angas', 'śruta' (i.e. fourteen Purvas), 'skanda' (vastūni), 'prābhṛta' and 'deśa.'
Study consisted of 'parivartana' (repeating of the text), 'vācanā' (reading of the text), 'prcchana' (asking questions : but, according to the commentator, 'śāstraśravana' or devout listening given to the sacred texts), 'anuprekşā' (the twelve reflections) and 'dharmakathā' (the reading and singing of the biographies of great persons, and of the hymns respectively).704
While studying, he kept his mind calm and, for that sake, avoided taking food full of 'vikstis' (dainties) or 'āyambila' (sauviraudanädikam). He learnt the text without offending the teacher and did not disown the teacher after learning everything from him.705
Change of Guru for Further Study:
In case a monk wanted to approach another guru for higher studies, he took permission of the previous guru three, five or six times, and after getting his consent, he went to another guru in a group of four, three or two monks.
Nobody was allowed to go alone to another guru unless he himself was full of all ideal qualities of monkhood or accompanied by another learned monk. If he wandered alone, there was a likelihood of the people condemning his guru for having let his disciple alone, or he was likely to forget the sacred texts and go astray, and thus bring a blot on the Church. Moreover, he was likely to come across many dangers and difficulties. So his determination to live alone was not at all favoured.
While on tour, he did not stay at a place where none of the ācārya, the upādhyāya, the pravartaka, the sthavira, or the ganadhara was there. If he happened to find a book, etc. along the way then he handed it over to the owner or to the guru.
Having seen the disciple approaching, the ācārya received him by going seven steps towards him. He asked him about his welfare and other matters of monklife. Then he watched the behaviour of the newcomer for three days and noted his conduct regarding study, begging, bedding, easing
704. Ibid., 5, 196. 705. Ibid., 5, 70-89.
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