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CHAPTER-V
the body, then the shastras, etc. also are the possessions only; but the (true) monk does not indulge in such acts. Therefore, the means or appendages which are helpful in the practice of religion are not called possessions; rather the means (objects) of enjoyment only are called the possessions.
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Further, you may say- "The monks keep kamandal (water-pot) only for ablution after evacuation of bowels" But the monks do not keep the kamandal with such desire. Since they engage themselves in reading of shastras, if at that time their body remains in impure state then it would amount to disrespect of shastras and also will be censured by people; hence, for religious practice he keeps the waterpot (kamandal). With the same object keeping of pinchhi etc. appendages is desireable but regarding the cloths, etc. as to be the appendages is not possible.
To avoid external manifestation through the body of passions like sex-inclination, disliking, etc. which are caused due to rise of conduct-deluding karma and to avoid display of lack of forbearance of cold, etc., they keep cloths, etc. Also due to rise of pride-passion, they desire people to treat them adorable; therefore, they regard cloths, etc. as appendages by fabulous logic.
Further, they approve bringing of food from different houses by begging. Our question to them is - "Is begging (of food) a religious act or sinful practice? If it is the religious act then all beggars would become religious persons and if it is a sinful act then how is it possible by a monk?"
Again if you will say- "If he begs some wealth, etc. out of greedpassion then it is a sin, but for the sake of practising religion he wants to maintain the stability of body, therefore, he indulges in begging of food, etc.?"
Answer: Taking of food, etc. is not instrumental for religion, rather it is the cause of bodily happpiness; hence, they beg for the sake of bodily happiness due to excessive greed-passion. Had excessive greed-passion not been there then for what purpose would he indulge in begging? Giving or not giving of food is the concern of the householders only. And the excessive greed itself is a sin, then there
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