In order to uphold their Brahmcharya Vrata, they should act in this manner. Mitakshara explains further, the types of houses they should go to for alms, ‘They should go to those houses for alms other than where false accusations are likely to be given, where they are mischievous or cunning, where they are deceitful or fraudulent and where undesirable actions prevail. They should go to those houses where Dharma is upheld.’
Chandogya Upanishad explains, ‘Purity of eating leads to Satva Guna. Satva Guna brings stability and steadiness of the mind. Such steadiness is the cause of salvation,’ thus one should aim for Ahaar Shudhi first and foremost. Mokshadharma explains, ‘Food (or alms) from Dwijas, who know of rites, is considered the best. Through partaking of such alms, one destroys their Rajo Guni sins (sins arising through worldly desires) and their senses are withdrawn from worldly desires.’
Shastras explain that Bhiksha (alms) should be begged for from Brahmins. If one is not able to acquire such alms from Brahmins, then Bhiksha should be sought from Kshatriya or Vaishyas (in this order). In times of emergency, one may beg from any of the four castes. They may take raw foods from any of the four sources but prepared food should only be taken from the houses of Brahmins. They should not repeatedly beg alms from the same home except in unfavourable times. Nor should they take more than what is necessary.
Atri Muni explains, ‘Those observing a Vrata should refrain from sleeping during the day, partaking of another’s food (Parku Anna) and eating for a second time.’ Therefore the question arises - why have those who observe Brahmcharya Vrata been commanded to beg for alms? (And thus accept Parku Anna). Atri Muni further clarifies, ‘Bhiksha is like Soma (an intoxicating juice). Such Bhiksha is not Parku Anna and is the cause of destruction of all of one’s sins.’ ‘One who partakes in Bhiksha is Nirahari (one who has not eaten).’
In this way, Bhiksha is considered to be even better than performing an Upavas (full day fast). Smruti explains this: ‘A full day fast is better than eating once. Eating foods that have not been asked for is better than a full day fast. Even better than this is Bhiksha. Therefore such persons should live off such alms.’ Vashista further explains that Bhiksha, food from Brahmins and the remnance from a Yagna cleanses all of one’s sins. In this way food which is begged is considered to be great and able to purify all of one’s sins. For this reason, such people should continue to beg for alms. Those that do not act in this way should perform Prayaschit as explained by Manu and other.