Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
[310] A monk who is capable of giving appropriate answers to any person who comes to discuss matters from another perspective, can wander as the head of the group, i.e., as the head of the Sanghataka. These qualities of speech are essential for the head monk who wanders with the aim of spreading Dharma, but for the monk who wanders with the aim of general welfare, it is sufficient to be a Shruta-sampanna as described in the sutras, with the exception of Abhigraha images, silent meditation, etc. Even if he does not possess the qualities of speech, he can still wander as the head and practice self-restraint. According to the second sutra, no Shruta-sampanna monk can wander as the head of the group at will, but can only take charge of the group with the permission of the senior monk of the Gachchha. He should ask the senior monk, "O Bhagavan! I wish to wander with some monks." Then, the senior monk, knowing his qualifications and seeing the appropriate opportunity, can grant permission for him to take charge of the group. If, for any reason, the senior monk does not grant permission, he should not take charge of the group and should wait for the appropriate opportunity.
In the context of the provision in the sutra for obtaining permission from the senior monk, it should be understood that the word "senior" refers to all those who have the authority to give orders, including the Acharya, Upadhyaya, Pravartaka, etc. The word "senior" is very broad and includes all monks who hold a position and are in charge. In the Bagams, the word "There Stavir" is used for the Ganadhara Gautam Sudharmaswami and also for the Tirthankaras. Therefore, the meaning of this provision is that it is necessary to obtain the permission of any senior monk of the Gachchha to take charge of the group, and it is also necessary to be proficient in Shruta-sampada, etc. If a monk, due to intense desire, wanders with his disciples or other monks who are under his care for study, etc., without obtaining permission or approval, he is liable for atonement. The disciples who are with him or the monks who are under his care for any reason, such as study, etc., are not liable for atonement as they are following his orders. This is also clarified in the second sutra.
The sutra, while providing for atonement for a monk who takes charge of the group without permission, states, "Se Santara Chheye Va Parihare Va." The commentator, explaining the meaning of this, clarifies that the monk, due to his offense, receives the appropriate atonement of Chhed (five days, etc.) or the atonement of monthly or other Pariharatapas or general tapas. This atonement is given to him, according to the sutra, for the sake of discipline, whether he is criticized or not. This provision is made in the sutra for the monk. Similarly, the entire provision should be understood for the Sadhvi. She should also obtain permission from the senior monk or Pravartiini to wander.