History of Jaina Monachism

SR No.: 001727
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S B Deo
Publisher: Deccan College Research Institute
Publication Year: 1956
Total Pages: 616
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Principle, & History
File Size: 12 MB

Page 342

HISTORY OF JAINA MONACHISM
(f) Suri:
The references to this officer are very scanty in the Mülācāra, and as the commentator equates him with the ācārya, it is difficult to say whether he was a different person. Possibly, he was not a different officer as the verse, which mentions him along with the upadhyaya, does not mention the ācārya who is generally referred to with the instructor.649
(9) Pavatta650 (pravartaka):
This officer is explained as being one who furthers the affairs of the sangha (sangham pravartayati iti pravartakaḥ),651 and no other details regarding his position, qualifications and duties are to be found in the text.
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Besides these, there were two others who may not be taken to be officers in the proper sense of the term. The preceptor who offered initiation to a person was called 'pravrajyādāyaka', and he who helped a defaulter to reattain proper conduct was termed 'niryāpaka.'652
The Church Units:
Under these various officers the monks were grouped into different units as in the case of the Svetambara Church.
(a) Gana:
The gana was a group of three monks (traipuruşiko ganah),653 and was probably headed by the ganadhara.
(b) Gaccha:
It as a congregation of seven monks (sāptapuruṣiko [saptapurusako ?] gacchah).
The commentator is not clear when he defines the 'gaccha' in different ways at different places. At one place655 he seems to equate it with the 'gana' when he says-'gacche rşisamudaye cäturvarnya ramanasanghe vä saptapuruşakaḥ tripuruṣako va tasmin'. At another place,656 he explains it
648. Ibid., 4, 195. 649. Ibid., 4, 195.
650. Ibid., 4, 155.
651. Ibid., comm. pt. I, p. 135.
652. Prv. III, 10.
653. Mul. 10, 92; comm. pt. 1, p. 133.
654. Ibid., comm. pt. I, p. 133; 4, 153, 177, 185.
655. Ibid., pt. 1, p. 150.
656. Ibid., pt. I, p. 160. BULL. DCRI.-43