Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin 1

Author(s): Nathmal Tatia
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 200

UPOSATHA
189
In this connection, the terms sima and avasa, just referred to, deserve some amplification. Sima was the circuit or the extent of the jurisdiction of an avasa or a number of avāsas. The Christian equivalent of it is a diocese or parish. The uposatha could only be performed, if all the monks living wihin the sima of an avasa were either present or would have sent their consent (chanda) in absentia.1
Sīmā was decided by the usual kammavāca process by fixing some landmarks on the boundary of the jurisdiction. A mountain, a rock, a wood, a tree, a path, an anthill (vammika), a river and a tank (udaka), etc. were some of the conspicuous marks generally used for the purpoe.2 In case the sima of an ava sa had not been settled, then the boundary of the adjacent village was supposed as its sima; and if the residence was situated in a forest without any nearby village, then the sima was extended up to seven abbhantaras all around.4 In case of a river, sea or the like, the sima ran as far as an average man could throw water5 or even to the opposite side of a river, if there was any regular communication. Normally a boundary either of more than three yojanas (yojana a distance of about seven miles) in expanse, or overlapping or incompassing another ones was not to be fixed.
The uposathagara was furnished with the necessary articles, before the monks assembled there to hold uposatha. The senior members as a rule, were obliged to assemble first, while the juniors were assigned with the duties of sweeping the hall; providing seats for the assembly; putting a lighted lamp, for most often the uposatha was held till very late in the night; and furnishing with drinking water and food for the incoming monks.10
When all had assembled, a duly qualified monk proclaimed the following ñatti-'Venerable monks should proclaim the parisuddhi (purity), I will recite the Patimokha'. Those guilty of any offence
1. Ibid, 2. 21. 34, pp. 122-23.
2, Ibid, 2. 4. 7, p. 109.
3. Abbhantara is a linear measure, equal to 28 hands.-BD, Part I1, Introduction, pp. 51-52.
4. MV, 2. 9. 16, p. 113.
5. Ibid, 2. 9. 16, p. 113..
6. Ibid, 2. 4. 9, p. 109.
7. Ibid, 2. 4. 9, p. 109.
8. Ibid, 2. 9. 17, p. 113.
9. Ibid, 2. 6. 11, p. 111.
10. samajjani padipo ca udakam asanena ca /
uposathassa etāni pubbakaranam ti vuccati //-Kankha, p. 11; MV, 2. 18. 28-31, pp. 119-20.