Book Title: Jainism the Creed for All Times
Author(s): D S Baya
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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Page 324
________________ type of vigilance it is essential to be careful about four considerations of movement, namely 1. Reason (Alamban), 2. Time (Kāla), 3. Path (Mārga), and 4. Care (Yatnā). From the first consideration of reason, the ascetic must move out of the place of residence only on purpose when it becomes absolutely essential. He is not to move about aimlessly. Even when going out on essential purpose, he must seek his Guru's permission by stating his purpose aloud three times. The essential purposes for which an ascetic may move about are for scriptural study, meditation, seeking food, water and other essential monastic requirements, for answering nature's calls, etc. From the second consideration of time, the ascetic must move about only during the day-light hours and not at night. The reason for this injunction is obvious. They can observe any small creatures on the way during the day, which is not possible at night. While they are totally prohibited to go out at night for the purpose of seeking anything, movements with due care and continuous sweeping of the ground ahead with their woollen sweeps is permitted for answering the nature's calls. Even when ascetics are moving from one village or town to the other and it becomes dark on the way, they must find the nearest shelter and stay there until next morning when they can resume their tour. It is prescribed that they ought to stop as soon as the Sun sets even if they have to take shelter under a tree. For similar considerations of protecting fine lives, the ascetics are not allowed to tour or peregrinate from place to place during the rainy season. From the third consideration of path, ascetics must generally move along only those land routes that are even. Only under exceptional circumstances can they move along uneven land routes and water-ways. They must also avoid treading on wet ground, water puddles, grassy or moss infested patches, etc. As far as air travel is concerned, the scripture mentions the flying 296 : JAINISM: THE CREED FOR ALL TIMES

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