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The Unknown Pilgrims
Usually in this case the sădhvi remains in an upăśraya and menibers of the group take tums in staying at her side. 8
A sadhvi who is temporarilly indisposed or is suffering from some chronic ailment leads a sedentary life; no vihăra, no gocari. If she is unable to walk, then, when the time comes to move on, she is transported in a sedan-chair or palanquin. She must oftentimes atone by means of prāyaścittas for the infringements of the rules occasioned by her sickness. If her condition permits, she can devote more time to svădhyāya.
As for the expenses incurred to pay for treatments, these are left to the goodwill and generoisty of the doctors, śrävakas and śrāvikās. Here again, all depends on places and circumstances. It may happen that a sadhvi falls seriously ill in an area where there is no Jaina samgha, the guruņi is then obliged with all speed to consult the doctor of the local hospital and afterwards she will take steps to inform the ācārya and the nearest śrāvakas.
B - Vrddhăvasthă: Old age
There is little to be said as regards the practical arrangements for this state, for old age is a form of chronic ailment. When vigour has diminished and resistance become less, the physical faculties experience a slowing-down, a sort of loss of momentum. Vihāra and gocari are only possible occasionally or are not now possible at all. An aged sådhvi stays in an upāśraya and serveral sådhvis take turns in remaining at her side. She is now the highly-respected senior and the sådhvis are glad to put themselves at her service and alleviate her infirmities. This diminishment of her physical potential and some lessening of keenness in the senses are not necessarily accompanied by a spiritual regression, indeed to the contrary. A sadhvi who has reached a great age stays among her companions as a living testimony to that pilgrimage which is ever directed towards the ideal that all are seeking. She is an encouragement and a stimulant for the young. Even if she can no longer read, even if her memory is failing, she can
8 At Ahmadnagara Mahāsati Ujjvalakumări, suffering from a severe eyedisease stayed for several years in the upăśraya.
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