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The psychic dispositions and cares that help in observing this great vow and enhance its effectiveness are as under:a. The ascetics must seek permission for the use of suitable
places of residence only after due thought and consideration of their requirements even if more
accommodation is available. b. The shelters and beds etc must be used only after seeking
due permission. Even trivial items must be used only
after their owners have given permission for their use. c. While seeking permission for residential accommodation,
the permission for using the prayer-halls etc must also be taken. Also, they must use only the permitted portions
and not more. d. The brought food must be consumed only after seeking
the permission of the guru or the most senior ascetic in
the group. e. If the ascetics of other monastic groups are also staying
in the same premises, the portion under their permission
must be used only after seeking their permission. 4. The Fourth Great Vow : Maithun Viramana Vrat (Renoucing Sexual Indulgence) –
Under this great vow, the most difficult of all vows, the monks and nuns renounce all forms of sexual activities with the human and divine members of the opposite sex or with the neuters or the animals. This they do with three means and three methods. They neither indulge in such activities themselves nor do they get others to indulge in them nor do they approve of anyone indulging in such activities. They do not indulge in any amorous activity at thought, speech or physical level. For ensuring a flawless observance of this great vow the ascetics comply with nine provisions that have been especially formulated for the safety of this vow. They are --
276 : JAINISM: THE CREED FOR ALL TIMES
