Sramana Tradation

Author(s): G C Pandey
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 58

Moral and Social Outlook of Šramanism
tures of the Nigantha community. Whatever clothes were used were not allowed to be washed or dyed in any case. 53 Apart from the clothes or Vattha, the Ayāramga permits the Jaina monk the use of a bowl or Pāya, a blanket or Kambala and a cloth for dusting the feet, Pāyapuñchana. The blanket was permitted as a covering against cold or during sleep. The Payapuñchana or rajoharana was a kind of broom with bristles. A piece of cloth for being tied over the mouth and nose was permitted just as the use of a stick was also permitted.54 For use as a bed grass, stone or a wooden plank could be used. The monk could also borrow a bedding or matting from the householder but was expected to return it back-padihāriyam pidha-phalaga-sejjāsantharagam':55 On the subject of begging for alms numerous restrictions existed. Umbrellas and shoes were not allowed to the Jaina monks.
The position of the Buddhist monks was much more favourable. 50 In the beginning perhaps the monks were merely allowed the Four Nisrayas. The 'four Nisrayas' were (a) food obtained in the alus, (b) robes made out of rags, (c) dwelling under the tree and (d) cow's urine as medicine. Gradually with each one of these were permitted extra acquisitions or atirekalábhas. The monk was allowed to have three pieces of clothes - antaryāsaka, sanghāți and uttarāsanga, a girdle for the loins, an alms-bowl, a razor, a needle and a water-strainer. He could use a variety of materials for his clothes such as co or wool. Although the monks were not allowed to eat after midday they could accept invitation from householders. As medicine they could use butter, oil, honey or ghee. Several types of dwellings were also permitted to them.5? In the beginning the ideal of the Buddhist monks was also eremitical but gradually with the growth of lay patronage an increasing coenobitism was the result. The practice of the rain retreat aided this process. 5 8
53. Ibid., p. 163. 54. Ibid,, pp. 164-167. 55. Ibid., p. 167. 56. For the general life and monastic observances of the Buddhist Monks see
G. S. P. Misra, The Age of Vinaya, (New Delhi, 1972), ch. IV. 57. Cullavagga ( Nal. ed.), p. 239. 58. Cf. S. Dutt, Early Buddhist Monachism (Asia Publishing House, 1960), p. 90ff.