Book Title: Jains Today in World
Author(s): Pirre Paul AMIEL
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Previous | Next

Page 266
________________ The basic qualities Lastly, mention the 28 basic qualities that a “sādhu" must possess according to the sacred texts. Without them, he cannot acquire other virtues. These qualities, called “mūlaguṇa", are: the five great vows, the five acts of carefulness, the control of the five senses, the six daily essential duties, the periodical removal of hair with one's hands, permanent nudity (for some monks), non-bathing, sleeping shortly and on bare ground, refraining from cleaning the teeth, taking food in the hollow of the hands standing and eating no more than once a day. All that shows the extreme rigour of that life which they have to lead without falling sick or else their progress will be halted. 6. Time-table of the Jain ascetics Following their vow of non-attachment, Jain ascetics lead in India a wandering life all the year, except during the rainy season that lasts four months. Their Ascetics: 221 While unceasingly changing of place in a sector defined by their "Acarya" Jain ascetics have to endure sun, sometimes overpowering heat, rain, humidity, storms, insects, aunts, etc. They always walk silently, reciting "mantra" or singing religious hymns. They start early in the morning and must see to not crush small beasts on their way, to brush the ground with their broom and if they have not a "muhapatti" to pay attention to not swallow flying insects. On their way, Jain ascetics beg for their food and drink (gocari) at the houses of laypersons. If there are no adepts in a place, they beg at other houses. They gather their alms in bowls, if they are Śvetambara, and share their meal if they are several ones. The Digambara ascetics collect food in their joined hands and eat it immediately while standing. Often, people who see an ascetic approaching on the road tell the inhabitants of the village. As soon as informed, several adepts go to meet him (her), to welcome him (her) at the entry and if he (she) asks for food or a place to sleep, they greet him (her) like a saint and escort him (her) to the home of one adept. They kiss his (her) feet and Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

Loading...

Page Navigation
1 ... 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360