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Their Ascetics : 223
study. Similarly, for the second 4 prahara the duties prescribed for an ascetic are study, meditation, sleep (nidrā ) and study.
From dawn to sunrise, the ascetic (monk or nun) does his (her) morning ablutions with the water of his (her) pail and proceeds meditated repetition (japa) of the "Great Mantra" or another one. After this, he (she) examines his (her) transgressions of the night, greets his "guru" (her "guruņi"), respectfully asks after his (her) health, confesses his (her) possible sins and reflects on the penances he (she) will impose at himself (herself) during the coming day.
From sunrise to the end of the morning, he (she) devotes time to the inspection of his (her) garment, if he wears some; to be sure no insect has hid in them during the night. Afterwards, he (she) performs an inner "pūjā" (bhāva-püjā) that is a spiritual burst towards the Jina, either in the place where it is, in the "upāśraya” or in a temple. As we have said, because of their non-attachment, ascetics never practice "dravya-pūjā with offerings of flowers, fruits, rice, saffron, etc. If their obedience is opposed to the worship of statues, this kind of “pūja" is replaced by a deep meditation, a contemplation of the Jina or a purification of the soul. It may be performed silently or with songs and hymns of praise expressed spontaneously throughout the day. Ascetics may take a light meal afterwards, proceed to the study of sacred books and continue to wander or deliver a public teaching on the Jain tenets.
From the end of the morning to the beginning of the afternoon, Jain monks and nuns collect their food and beverage and eat a frugal meal. They then have a period of rest during which they wash and mend their clothes (if they wear some), varnish the bowls (if they have), make new brooms or whisks, etc.
From the beginning of the afternoon to sunset, ascetics devote anew their time to elaborated and meditated study of the sacred books, to some teaching, to another inspection of their clothes (if they wear some), possibly to a new quest for food and to a small meal before sunset. Often, they do not beg or eat in the evening.
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