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Jaina Acara : Siddhanta aura Svarūpa
253 (5) Junior ascetics should respect their senior ones. The latter in their turn should shower affection on them. Such harmonious mutual relationship cements and gives stability to the Order. The community must act as one. Each one of them should live for the other, otherwise inevitably there will be murmurs and bickerings. The atmosphere should be surcharged with love and decency. It should be the meeting of hearts, and that, to, spontaneously.
In 'Acāranga' the five contemplations are as under :
(1) A monk first begs limited provisions. But he who without giving a thought to it asks for but limited objects but at the same time takes what has not been given to him.
(2) He who accepts food and water without obtaining permission.
(3) Monks should specify place and time. Only then should they receive things accordingly.
(4) Permission must be obtained every time something is to be taken
(5) It is to receive limited provision after considering the need and not without permission.
Avašyakacurni gives the following reflections :(1) Repeatedly to ask for restrictions. (2) To ask for limited restriction but after due deliberation. (3) Not to transgress the self-imposed limits. (4) To take food and water not without permission. (5) To accept restrictions from senior monks. Tattvārthasūtra, gives the following contemplations :(1) To stay in caves or at the foot of a tree. (2) To stay at a house deserted by others. (3) To let others stay there. (4) To accept alms as prescribed in holy books.
(5) Not to quarrel with associates saying that this is mine, not yours and the like.
While staying at inns, monks should receive things from the authorised officer. It may be straw, clod, ashes, earthen pot, ground for evacuation of bowels, etc, They should properly use what they are given. Moving about, sleeping and the like should be determined in consultation with the in-charge. No violation or transgression in any form is permitted.
Jainism has considered ramifications of stealing in different contexts. The duty of monks is to scrupulously avoid all pitfalls. To be accused of even the subtlest theft is a slur on the conduct of ascetics.
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