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CHAPTER-V
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someone, by taking the oath of one time meal, takes the food once only, then he is assuredly a religious person. Similarly, if someone by accepting the householders status practises religion even in small measure as per his oath, then he is assuredly a religious person. Here sinfulness is possible in observing the conduct of lower status by keeping the name of higher status. But sinfulness is not caused in observing the religious practice by holding the name (or rank) to one's status of conduct; thus to the extent one follows religious practices to that extent it is good.
Someone further argues- "In the scripture it is stated that the existence of the four kinds of religious congregations will be found till the end of fifth era. Therefore, if these are not to be regarded as monks then who are to be regarded as such?”
Answer: In the present time the existence of swans is accepted but if in the approachable area the swans are not seen then the other birds cannot be treated to be the swans; only those birds in which the differentia of swan is found can be called swans. Similarly, in the present time the existence of monks is described but if in the approachable area the monks (with their definite characteristics) are not found then the other impersonators cannot be regarded as monks; only those in whom the definite characteristics of a monk are found are to be treated as monks. Moreover, their availability too is found in a limited area only, how to accept the existence of monks in the area farther away from such area? If monkhood is decided by the characteristics of a monk, then here also apply the same principle. And if somebody is to be regarded as a monk even though he does not possess the characteristics of a monk, then the impersonators found there (in those farther areas) should be treated as monks”. Thus the contrariness is obvious. Hence your arguments are not correct.
Someone may say. "The monkhood of this type also is found in this fifth era.” If it is so, then show the relevant scriptural proof. If you believe so without the scriptural proof, then you are a sinner. Thus in the light of all this logic, the monkhood, cannot be established in them and in the absence of monkhood, if they are regarded as monks and preceptors then it fosters wrong faith, because only by believing true monk (naked possession-less saint) as preceptor right faith can be evolved.
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