Studies in Buddhist and Jaina Monachism

Author(s): Nand Kishor Prasad
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 146

NISSAYAS
members of his family, would have finished meal and' other household works.1
125
(viii) The way of receiving food
The Buddhists, particularly when enjoying a community dinner, were enjoined to receive food in their bowls after washing them with the water served before the meal and not to disturb the person serving the meal in any way. Accordingly they were advised to receive food with downcast eyes looking straight at the bowl. So also, they were asked not to receive food overflowing the bowl or with improportionate curry (or soup) or to cover up the delicacies or to ask for a particular menu for one's use."
The Jainas as a rule did not wash their bowl before receiving food in it. They accepted alms having full control over their senses. Besides, they were much cautious regarding the purity of the donor, his or her way and intention of offering and the purity of food."
As a Buddhist, so a Jaina is advised to receive as much food as one considers sufficient for one's stomach. In this connection it is worth noticing that the Buddhists do not appear to have prescribed a definite quantity of food to be taken by an ideal monk as the Jainas seem to have done. Thus the normal quantity of food to be taken by a Jaina monk is thirty-two morsels. Receiving food more than required or less than needed purposely is however deemed a sinful act by the Buddhists.
(ix) The process of eating food
A
As in the case of going, so also in coming back from an invitation or begging, a monk was required to observe perfect discipline. person coming first from the begging round was obliged to open the service hall (upatṭhānasală) and arrange it with the necessary articles like seats, water for washing feet and foot-stool, etc. eat the food if so desired."
Then one could
Dining or drinking in one vessel like householders was not allowed to the mendicants. When eating food, it was unworthy
1. Ayar (SBE. Vol. XXII), 2. 1. 4. 3 (p. 98).
2. CV, 8. 5-9, p. 318; 8. 6. 11, p. 320.
3. Dasu, 5-1. 27-81.
4. Vide Supra, p. 122.
5. CV, 8. 6. 11, p, 321.
6. Ibid, 5. 8. 22, p. 213.