[14] This fundamental or basic principle may be designated in Pālī, _Nidāna_--chain of causation or, literally, "Origination of dependence". Twelve _Nidānas_ are specified, _viz._: _Avijjā_--ignorance of the truth of natural religion; _Samkhāra_--causal action, karma; _Viññana_--consciousness of personality, the "I am I"; _Nāma rūpa_--name and form; _Salayatana_--six senses; _Phassa_--contact, _Vedanā_--feeling, _Tanhā_--desire for enjoyment; _Upādāna_--clinging, _Bhava_--individualising existence; _Jāti---birth, caste; _Jarā, narana, sokaparidesa, dukkha, domanassa, upāyāsa_--decay, death, grief, lamentation, despair. PART III THE SANGHA 256. Q. _How do Buddhist Bhikkhus differ from the priests of other religions?_ A. In other religions the priests claim to be intercessors between men and God, to help to obtain pardon of sins; the Buddhist Bhikkhus do not acknowledge or expect anything from a divine power. 257. Q. _But why then was it worth while to create this Order, or Brotherhood, or Society, apart from the whole body of the people, if they were not to do what other religious orders do?_ A. The object in view was to cause the most virtuous, intelligent, unselfish and spiritually-minded persons to withdraw from the social surroundings where their sensual and other selfish desires were naturally strengthened, devote their lives to the acquisition of the highest wisdom, and fit themselves to teach and guide others out of the pleasant path leading towards misery, into the harder path that leads to true happiness and final liberation. 258. Q. _Besides the Eight, what two additional observances are obligatory upon the Bhikkhus?_ A. I observe the precept to abstain from dancing, singing and unbecoming shows. I observe the precept to abstain from receiving gold or silver. The whole _Dasa_, or _Bhikkhu Sīla_ or Ten Precepts, are binding on _all_ Bhikkhus and _Samaneras_, or novices, but optional with lay devotees. The _Atthanga Sīla_ are for those who aspire to higher stages beyond the heavenly regions,[1] aspirants after Nirvāna. 259. Q. _Are there separate Rules and Precepts for the guidance and discipline of the Order?_ A. Yes: there are 250, but all come under the following four heads: Principal Disciplinary Rules {_Pātimokkha Samvara Sīla_). Observances for the repression of the senses (_Indriya Samvara Sīla_). Regulations for justly procuring and using food, diet, robes, etc., (_Paccaya Sannissita Sīla_). Directions for leading an unblemished life (_Ajivapari Suddha Sīla_). 260. Q. _Enumerate some crimes and offences that Bhikkhus are particularly prohibited from committing?_ A. Real Bhikkhus abstain from: Destroying the life of beings; Stealing; False exhibition of "occult" powers to deceive anybody; Sexual intercourse; Falsehood; The use of intoxicating liquors, and eating at unseasonable times; Dancing, singing, and unbecoming shows; Using garlands, scents, perfumes, etc.;