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This scripture Mūlācāra is one of the best text which gives almost all the code of conduct for Jaina monks of Mulasangha. The scripture has been divided into twelve different chapters, all the chapters commences with the salutations to the Jina and then mentions the subject or the topic to be discussed. In the first chapter author gives the details about the basic or necessary qualities to become an ascetic. The basic quality to become an ascetic is to follow five major vows, five sense controls, five samitis, six essential duties, nudity, pulling off one's own hair by his own hand, nonbrushing of tooth, not to take bath, taking food on alms from his own hands, receiving food on standing posture, taking alms once in a day, sleeping on one side posture. These 28 basic qualities listed are necessary to become a monk. All these qualities to be fulfilled to become a monk of Mulasangha. There cannot be any exception to any of the rule to get
monkhood.
The second and third chapter discuss about pratyakhyāna or giving up of food and separating the soul from body. This is a special practice of Jaina monks at their old age or famine or any unavoidable consequence which occurs then a monk should practice this method of separation of soul from the decaying body and make future birth as fruitful one. The chapter fourth discusses the behavioural sense of every monk in the ascetic order. Acaraya Upadhyaya Sthavira, sādhus, āryikās and mahattarikā newly initiated monks were consist of an order and these monks and nuns, how should they act or behave with elders, youngsters is discussed in this chapter. Acharya heads the order on his direction, all the other monks practices the rule of conduct.
Darśana, Jñāna, Caritra, Tapa, Virya-Acaras are the five acaras are described in the fifth chapter of Mūlācāra. These five Acaras are the very important Acāras, each and every monk should try to posses them practically while he will become Acarya or otherwise he will get liberated.
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