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Jaina Acāra : Siddhanta aura Svarūpa
Loosening of a single rope may be the cause of water entering inside or its being blown over by some strong gust of wind.
Whatever things a monk takes from a householder for a fixed period must be returned on time and nothing should be taken away without express permission. Even when a householder gives you something, you must not accept it if it goes against your ethical self-restriction. In case a householder offers an acceptable thing to a monk, he must not accept it if the Acārya asks him not to. If he still accepts it, it is a theft in the eyes of the teacher.
An Acārya has given fifty four options of the vow of non-stealing as follows:
1. A little 2. Much 3. Small. 4. Big 5. Pupils etc. 6. Cloth, utensils etc.
A monk should not think of stealing the six objects nor get stolen nor support the thief. These are 18; so also 18 of speech and 18 of body. The total thus comes to 54.
Prašnavyākarana gives five reflections of the vow as follows:
(1) Vivikta vāsa Samiti—It means that a monk should stay at a faultlessly pure place. He has no house of his own. Should he have it , he will be attached to it. He will have occasionally also to get it repaired. The place where he stays may be slightly inconvenient but he knows that the want of amenity is momentary, since he will not be staying there long. The proper place for him is secluded, under a tree and an altogether separate part of the house built by the householder for himself.
(2) Anugnāta Samstaraka grahana-Monks need have no care for their beds. The earth is their bed and arms their pillows. They have no craving for fine beds nor are they ever tempted by them. Whatever beds they accept should be in conformity with their decorum.
(3) Monks have no houses or beds of their own. When they have them from householders, they must not think of making them soft and comfortable. In doing so, insects are bound to be killed. Since no permission was taken, such comfort-seeking is stealth.
(4) When a monk receives some special sweets and the like, he should not relish it alone secretly, since he is a member of his religious community. All food should be placed before the Acārya for equitable distribution among all. Discipline and affection maintain the community intact. Distrust, mistrust and suspicion spoil the atmosphere. Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only
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