Book Title: Jaina Acara Siddhanta aur Svarupa
Author(s): Devendramuni
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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Page 183
________________ Jaina Acara: Siddhanta aura Swarupa 149 encampment is there, or chariots and carts are lying stationary, he may take the help of some person or of growing vegetation. This is not to violate any vow but is meant to promote non-violence. He may fall down, become disabled or handicapped and may not be in a position to resolve anything because of the web of uncertainties surrounding him. While falling he may even kill some insects.It is an exception to obvert violence on both sides. He is not permitted to touch live water either, but in case of torrential rain he may go out to ease nature, because such compulsions, when resisted, are detrimental to health. His another vow is of truth. Acararga says that when a hermit on his outings meets with a man who enquires from him whether some animal has passed that way, he should first remain silent, but on being hard-pressed, he should say that he knows not even though he has the full knowledge of it. This is an exception concerning truth. 'Sutrkritanga' states that telling lie to cheat people is despicable, but when the intent is to preserve self-control at all costs, such falsehood does not in cur any sin. Non-stealing is another vow. But when a hermit reaches a village where there is no suitable room to stay and the season be winter with accompanying rains, he may stay where possible and seek permission later. While observing the vow of celibacy he may not touch even a newborn girl, but he may take out a nun likely to be drowned in a river or when she be in a demented state with his hands without incurring any sin. While observing the vow of non-possessiveness, he may not keep a single utensil more than the prescribed limit of fourteen. All the same, books and writing material are not to be counted under this head, because they are to improve knowledge. Dasavaikälika says that no hermit should be in close contact with any householder, but it also says that an old ailing hermit can do so without incurring any sin since it must be treated as an exception. Again, food specially prepared for a hermit is, as a rule. unacceptable but Silanka says that when such food is taken strictly in accordance with rules it is a sinless exception. It applies also to the period of famine. When sick, a Jaina mendicant should suffer it quietly but when it was observed that some hermits became simply restless, it was ordained as to how a sick hermit should consult a physician for medicines when suffering from the dreaded leprosy and the like. Commentaries have suggested that such maladies may be kept secret to save the Order from calumny. Transgression of a vow arouses infatuation as a result of which passions rise which impel a hermit to violate a vow. This is done with the For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org Jain Education International

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