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Jaina Ācāra : Siddhanta aura Swarupa
prone to disturbances, he must leave instantly. When sick and there be none to attend on him, he should go alone for treatment. When tormented by some god, he should move out with the preceptor's permission.
An ascetic, when not sure of the desired path, should unhesitatingly ask others. If there be insects on the way he should be extra-careful. In case he notices forest-fire he should be equipped with leather to cover his legs and also shoes to continue his pilgrimage. Self-preservation is necessary for the observance of self-discipline and if there be some blemish, it may be removed by penances, but without body no austerities are possible. The body is an indispensable means. Careless activity will only strengthen the bonds of Karma whereas care in walking and other activities may lead to liberation.
When some ascetic is ill, three, five or seven monks in a clean, spotless dress, should call on a physician at an auspicious hour, but he should not be disturbed if he finds him operating on some other patient. When he becomes free, the case should be reported to him. If he feels necessary to visit the patient, the place and surroundings must be cleaned before his arrival. Exhausted monks must be served with due care.
A monk must not move out for alms without permission. Children, old and sick monks must not be sent for alms. Where they mean to stay, they should ensure proper place for excretion and urine. They must familiarise themselves with all paths they are likely to tread. In case permission has to
en from the owner of the house where they were staying, before leaving they should say to him, "The sugarcanes are bending towards the
pad, gourds are with fruit. bullocks have grown stronger, all mud has dried, the rain has had its course, hence we must move out." If the householder requests them to stay for some more time, they should plead their cause, saying, "Monks, birds, black-bees, cows and winter clouds are never stationary. As such, we beg leave of you."
They must not move out if the omens be inauspicious. Moving at night or alone is not good. They should always be in the company of a monk who knows all paths. If they move out at wrong time, there lurks the fear of wild beasts, thieves, dogs, bullocks and the like. Excretion, urine and vomit must be out without withholding them. Any delay in such matters is very harmful. In case a monk moves out for alms without permission and does not return in time, he should be searched for in all directions. You must have your back to the east or north at the time of excretion and passing urine.
Nor should he have his back to the side the wind is blowing or the sun is shining.
An ascetic should accept food after proper inspection and take it with caution. The sick monk's cloths must be washed again and again, otherwise the smell emanating from them will be disgusting to others,
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