________________
Pravrajya: The Itinerant Life
543
a) Avagraha-ksetra: Spatial limits of the area of residence
In this context the expression refers to the boundary-lines within which the sådhvis may move about during the căturmasya: - they are permitted, in the neighbourhood of the upaśraya, to cover a distance of five kośas (about sixteen kilometres), but no further,48
- within these boundary-lines they are free to come and go for gocari;
- they may change from one upăśraya to another, if necessary; in fact, they are permitted to have three upāśrayas, three refuges, in which by turns they may sojourn;49
- for some weighty reason, in a case of illness, for example, when a remedy for a sādhvi must be procured, two or three of her companions may travel a distance not exceeding four or five yojanas (about fifty kilometres) and may spend a night on the way. However, their errand once accomplished, they must return the selfsame day to the upāśraya of the paryusanā.50
b) Bhikṣā-carya: The search for food
The highly detailed rules concerning gocari are modified during this time of retreat, when the stationary life is favourable to tapas as a whole and in particular to vpavāsa (fasting) and when movement is rendered more difficult on account of the rains.
48 Cf. DasasS VIII, 8-11; if there is a river within the avagraha-kşetra and no bridge by which to cross it, then the area is more restricted.
49 Ibid., VIII, 73; this is simply a precautionary measure of particular relevance to villages where in the monsoon there is a proliferation of insects and every sort of vegetation. The sādhvis therefore are given the possibility of changing residence, if that which they are occupying does not permit them to carry out the vow of ahimsa as perfectly as possible during this season.
50 Ibid., VIII, 75.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
