Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 439

414 STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATÍ SÚTRA [Ch. VII The other rules of conduct for the Nirgrantha monks
The following rules are prescribed for the monks and nuns in the BIS in connection with worship and non-worship.
In case an improper action is done by a Nirgrantha monk entering into the house of a householder for food, a thought arose in his mind "Just now, I discuss, confess, repent, blame (censure) this sinful act, desist from it by purifying myself with the performance of expiation, exert myself by not doing (such act). I practise proper act of a usterity, then later on I shall discuss, confess it to the sthavira upto practise act of austerity (tapahkarma)." He went out of that house but did not find the sthavira, for he died before his arrival or became dumb, in that Case he is arādhaka (worshipper), or if he himself dies or becomes dumb before his arrival, then he is a worshipper, not a nonworshipper (virādhalca) in that case.
The same religious rules are applicable to the case of a Niragranthi committing some improper actions. If she resolves to make self-analysis, confession and repentance, to censure these and, to perform expiation and to practise austerity or she actually observes these rules, she becomes a worshipper.
If a monk, having committed any prohibited sinful deed, dies without making self-analysis, confession and repentance for it, he has no worship, but if he dies by making self-analysis, confession, etc., he is a worshipper.
Similarly one has no worship, if he resolves to observe that vow of expiation in the last part of his life, but he dies without performing it or if he thinks thus : "If the Sramanopāsakas also, dying at the appointed time are born in heaven as gods, what again, shall I not incarnate even as a demigod ?", and he dies, having said this without observing that vow.'
Rules for begging alms
The BLS prescribes the following begging rules for the
i Bhs, 8, 6, 334.
• 16, 10, 2, 400.