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intention asks the monk whether he has seen any animal or human being around, the monk should first try to evade the answer and keep quiet. But if it is not possible to remain silent or if silence is likely to be construed as affirmation then although knowing, he should say that he does not know.'5
Under the vow of non-stealing, monks as a rule cannot stay at a place without prior permission. But as an exception, if it is not possible to stay outside or in a forest, and if the monks reach an unknown village at night, they may stay at a suitable place at night and seek permission later. A monk vowed to practise chastity in thought, word and deed must not touch even, a newly born female child. But there is this exception : he can catch hold of a drowning nun and pull her out to save her life.?
From the above illustrations it is evident that the possibility of exceptions can never be denied and even the founders of monastic rules were conscious of this fact. It must, however, be noted that these exceptions pertain only to temporary situations. The monk is expected to revert to the practice of basic precepts as soon as the specific situation is over.
Later modifications in rules
Jain monastic rules in their pristine pure form are extremely rigorous. Only a few monks dare to observe them to the letter. These uncompromising ascetics are called Jinakalpis. They believe that the written word of the Tirthankara Mabavira must be honoured and followed to the letter, and that there is no scope in them for interpretation or explanation. They however forget that it is not the question of lack of faith in and disregard for the written word of the Founder but the ability of the follower to practise them. The majority of aspirants, although possessing complete faith and having a sincere desire and true aspiration to follow the path, are not sufficiently competent-physically or psychologically--for the most austere way of a literal observance of the law. Out of untempered zeal if they were to practise the rigorous
5 Acārānga Sutra, op. cit., 2:1, 33, 129. 6 Vyavahāra Sutra, 8.11, quoted by Upadhyāya Amarmuni, op. cit., p. 22. 1 Byhadkalpa Sutra, 6.7-11, quoted by Upadhyāya Amarmuni, op. cit., p. 23. 8 Malvania, Pandit Dalsukh, Nisitha : Ek Adhyayana (Hindi), Sanmati Jnana Pith,
1959, p. 54.
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