Handbook of Jainology

SR No.: 001346
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhuvanbhanusuri
Publisher: Divya Darshan Trust
Publication Year: 2006
Total Pages: 288
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Philosophy
File Size: 15 MB

Page 191

The Namaskar (Navkar) Mantra and the Panch Parameshti 146
3) THE ACHARYAS: These are the Parameshtis of the third level. In the absence of the Arihant, these are the spiritual leaders of the four-fold Jain Sangha. They discard all the inebriating bondages with family and the samsar and become munis. They pursue the path of moksha which has been expounded by the Arihant. After mastering the Jinagams and after attaining special merits, they attain the status of Acharya through the Gurumaharaj.
After becoming Acharyas, they preach to the world the five principles namely Jnanachar (observance relating to knowledge) Darshanaschar (observance relating to faith) Charitrachar (observance relating to Character) Tapachar (observance relating to austerity) and Viryachar (observance relating to energy). They give refuge to those who are engaged in these five acharas and impel them to carry them out perfectly. The Acharyas possess 36 virtues namely 5 controls over the senses + 9 restraints relating to celibacy + 4 discarding kashayas + 5 great Vows + 5 Acharas (observances) + 5 Samithis (limits) and 3 guptis (restraints).
4) UPADHYAYAS : These belong to the fourth level of Parameshtis. They are also munis. They study the Jinagams (the Jain scriptures) and with the guidance of the spiritual head, they attain the state of upadhyayas. If the Acharya is like the King, the Upadhyayas are like the ministers. They teach the munis the Jinagamsutras. They possess 25 virtues or qualities. They possess a knowledge of eleven angas such as the Acharanga 14 Poorvas (of these the twelfth poorva is an important part of Drishtivad). They study these Angas and teach them to the munis.
5)
SADHUS: These are the Parameshtis of the fifth order in the descending order. They discard samsar which abounds in infatuation and deception and take vows to carry out the 5 great Vratas throughout their life. They practise the five sacred acharas (Observances). In order to be able to carry out these vows and observances, they keep themselves physically fit