Notes on Modern Jainism

Author(s): Mrs Sinclair Stevenson
Publisher: Oxford

Page 39

JAINA ASCETICS,
27
Upāsaro (641221), and listened for an hour to the reading of the scriptures or a sermon by a nun. From eight to twelve she was busied with the work of her own holise, but at two o'clock, after her midday rest, she went back to the Upāsaro for meditation (Sāmāyika H131648. She had to be home again to take her daily meal before sunset, and after sunset she made her confession of the day's sin (Devasi Padikamanum 242 451549). Twice during the day she did palewana (49994), i. e. searched her clothing to find if there were any insects in it, and, if she found any, removed them carefully that they might take no injury.
After she should become a nun, she would have the same duty of morning confession and listening to the
scriptures. In addition, not having any Daily Life household duties, she would study till of a Nun.
nine A. M., and then go out and beg for water. (The only water an ascetic can take must have been boiled to destroy any life in it, and boiled moreover not more than four hours previously, lest new life be formed in it.) She would also have to go and beg for food at eleven o'clock, and again at five in the evening, and must arrange never to have any food left over at night, lest insect life should form in it. Strictly speaking, she should only eat once and only sleep for three hours during the twenty-four. During the night she should if possible rise and pray twice. In many places however these rules have fallen into disuse.
The life of a nun is an arduous one, for she must live the same wandering life as a monk, though always accompanied by a female companion. She is however held in the greatest honour, as is shewn in the respect paid to her at her death.