________________
JAIN SADHUS
139
These Sadhus only take one meal in 24 hours, and that also under conditions exceptionally ascetic. They would not ask for food. They would not take it if it is prepared specially for them. Again the food must have been prepared by persons living a pure life, with many a sacred vow, and in a manner exceptionally clean and careful. The place where the food is cooked must he clean and covered by a canopy. The water must be drawn from a clean well by a clean person and strained through a doublefolded cloth. The ghee, if any, must have been freshly prepared.
At mealtime, between 9 and 11, the Sadhus rise and walk about. The house-holders stand out at their doors with a jug of water covered with a cloth and cocoanut, and request a Sadhu to stay and take the pure water and food ready at his place. If the Sadhu stays, he is requested to take a high seat placed for him. His feet are then respectfully washed by the house-holder in a basin, who thereafter anoints his head, forehead, and eyes with the sanctified washing called "Gandhodak ", the fragrant water. Then the house-holder goes round the holy ascetic, 3 times, and prostrates himself with all reverence at his feet. This done he invites the Sadhu to the dining place. There the Sadhu carefully looks at all things which have been prepared to satisfy himself that the things have been cooked with care, and are pure. He then washes his hands, thinks of the Perfect Ones, and extends his palms, with the little fingers intertwined, to receive the food offering. He takes light food and in a limited quantity. He would at once leave off taking a further morsel, if any improper happening takes place while he is taking his meal, e.g., the appearance of an ant, an insect or a hair in food, cries of a child or woman, any quarrel, obscene speech, or filthy abuse, storm etc. Such a Sadhu remains without changing sides on the bare ground, at night, during the greater part of which he is engaged in contemplation. He observes silence during meals and from sun-set to sun-rise, and when he is attacked by bodily pain. He has no belongings except a wooden bowl for water and a feather brush for cleaning the ground. He would not stay long at any one place and walks bare-footed all the way.
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
