Daily Rites of Jain Ascetic

When a monk wakes up in the last hour of the night (at about 4 a.m.), then he should recite the Paramesthi-Mantra and get up from his bed. The ascetic goes to the temple and worships the Tirthankaras by bowing before the idols, circumambulation them and by renting hymns and meditating. A monk cannot perform any of the types of the Puja performed in temple; he does not also put on a special dress in temple like a layman; his cult is rather spiritual and introspective. He then returns to his house where he meditates. He goes out around 10 a.m. to beg for food and drink. On returning from his round, he confesses his sins which he has committed on his way by harming living beings. After chanting the Mantras, he takes the food he got by begging. On returning from his round, he confesses his sins which he has committed on his way by harming living beings.

After chanting the Mantras, he takes the food he got by begging. The utensils are washed after the meal. After an hour`s rest he studies or teaches. Insects are again searched around 3 p.m. Another begging round is done around 4.30 p.m. which is again followed by a confession, chanting of Mantras and meals.

In the case of an ascetic meals have to be finished before sunset. Nothing can be taken, even water, during darkness. After the ascetic has dedicated himself to pious meditation, he recites the Paramesthi-Mantra and other pious Mantras and goes to bed. The first part of the night should be devoted to pious conversation, the second to rest and the third to contemplation.

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