Vinay Sutra And Auto Comentary On Same

Author(s): P V Bapat, V V Gokhale
Publisher: Kashi Prasad Jayaswal Research Institute

Page 38

( xxvii) begging-bowl along with his walking-staff (ravaka), go with him to villages, look to his requirements, provide him with good food, secure for him shoes, help him in his task, support him in his actions, rely on him with regard and reverence, care for his bed and do everything for him with faith. If the authority does not satisfy his needs, he approaches another person to give him the required benefits (S. 494). For the latter, he may take care to keep him away from bad friends, direct him to good things and watch him to see that he never remains unattended when he is ill. When illness incapacitates the Dependant (S. 503), a sick person should not remain neglected and so he must be under proper attendance as long as there is the last Bhikṣu of the Sangha to attend upon him. He desrves to receive medicine meant for the sick, or for the Sangha, although it involves the use of ornaments or decorations for a caitya, or images (S. 510). Nobody should go against his life-giving and legitimate demands. If one is on the point of death, he should be transferred from the Sangha's bed to an individual bed for undergoing formal ceremonies such as bath etc. (S. 520). The dead man's clothes go to his attendant who would care for cleansing and washing them.
Sangha-Leader
If the Sangha is going along a path, the Sangha-leader should lead it. Others should show respect to him by awaiting his arrival. A seat should be secured for him (when he visits a place). If the Sangha enters a village, he should look out at his followers that no one should be ill-clad or ill-dressed. If the ill-clad one does not note his suggestions, he should make the suggestion to the next one (S. 534) If this also fails, he should speak himself to the defaulter. The chief of the Sangha shall enjoin the new member to the duties concerned with regard to the monastery or to the forest where he resides (S. 537).