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Faina Ethics Vow of non-possession :
Parigraha has been defined as mūrcchā or attachment. Attachment to anything is the cause of bondage and, therefore, should be avoided. In the state of meditation, a monk is self-absorbed and requires no paraphernalia. At other times, he requires certain objects for reasons of piety and decency, but he should not have any desire or attachment for such objects.2 Mülācāra, therefore, defines aparigraha as renunciation of sentient and insentient paraphernalia and nonattachment towards such objects as are allowed by the 'scriptures.3
As far as the definition of parigraha is concerned, both the Digambaras and the Svetāmbaras agree. But it would be observed that, as regards the objects which are allowed for a a monk, there is much difference of opinion between the two sects. Even amongst Svetāmbaras, the number of articles allowed for a monk seem to have increased by the passage of time. The main difference between the two sects is regarding the question of possession of clothes by a monk. We need not go into the details of this sectarian question, but it may be pointed out that this difference regarding the mode of living of a Jaina monk is a very old one and is referred to by Uttarādhyayana also.5 Kundakunda seems to have noted this difference, and according to tradition, he is also said to have had some debates with Svetõmbaras on this point.
According to the Digambara tradition, a monk's possessions are classified under three heads :
1. Jñāno pādhi-or means of attaining knowledge. This includes Šāstras.
2. Samyamo pādhi—or means of observance of vows. This includes a broom of peacock feather. This broom helps in observing non-violence, because the monk can gently remove
1. 7997 qfaret a
-Dasavaikälika, 6.20. 2. Daśvaikālika, 6.21. 3. Mülācāra, 1.9. 4. Cf. Tattvärthasūtra, 7.16. and Daśavaikälika, 6.20. 5. Uttarādhyayana, Lecture XXIII. 6. Mülācāra, 1.14.
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