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195
परिशिष्ट
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The one Constant endeavour of his life is to follow this vow in all its baried aspects. Even his dress, which may appear somewhat peculiar, has been evolved so as to help him in his object. The "Munhpatti" i. e. small piece of cloth which he wears on his mouth at all times, except when he is taking his meals or doing such things, is probably the most peculiar feature of his dress.
It has for him the moral value in that it serves as a constant reminder that whatever comes out from the mouth underneath it must be pure, truthful and honest.
Apart from this moral significance the Munhpatti prevents injury to the microscopic organisms floating in the air, which would be caused by the just and wartruth of the breath if it were unchecked by the Munhpatti over the mouth. This may seem as carrying the practice of non-violence to fantastic heights but with this one must remember that the one mission of the Sadhu's life is to practice non-violence as rigidly and completely as is humanly possible.
Leaving Aside these spiritual values, the piece of cloth has also some obvious hygienic advantages. A Surgeon covers his mouth when performing an operation to protect his patient against any infection that may be carried with his breath and also to protect himself against any infection being carried to his throat. (Often those who prepare food do the same and for the same reason.) The "Munhpatti" in a measure vary
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