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## Fourth Objective] [347 17.
Even if the Acharya or Upadhyaya forgets or does not forget, they should not initiate a worthy Bhikṣu into the Great Initiation after ten days. If, at that time, there is a delay in the Great Initiation of any venerable person who is eligible for the Great Initiation, then they do not incur any Prāyaścitta (penance) in the form of Dīkṣāched (breaking of initiation) or Tapas (austerity). If there is no venerable person eligible for the Great Initiation for that newly initiated Bhikṣu, then they are not eligible to be appointed to the position of Acharya or Ganavacchedaka for one year due to the transgression of ten nights.
**Discussion:** In the reign of the first and last Tirthankaras, Bhikṣus are given the initiation of Samāyikcāritra (minor initiation) and then the Great Initiation of Chhedopasthāpanīyacāritra. Its minimum time limit is seven days and nights, meaning that in terms of time, the newly initiated Bhikṣu is called Kalpāka (eligible for the Great Initiation) after seven nights. In terms of qualities, they are called Kalpāka when they have memorized the necessary sūtras completely with their meaning and method, have acquired general knowledge of Jīvādi (living beings) and Samitis (assemblies), have memorized the meaning and recitation of the four studies of the Daśavakālika Sūtra, and have practiced some daily activities like writing, etc.
Thus, when the newly initiated Bhikṣu becomes Kalpāka (eligible for the Great Initiation) and other tests are completed, they are given the Great Initiation (Upasthāpana). According to Ni. U. 11 Sū. 84, Prāyaścitta is incurred if the Great Initiation is given before the eligibility. If the Acharya or Upadhyaya does not give the Great Initiation to the eligible Kalpāka Bhikṣu at the time mentioned in the sūtras, they incur Prāyaścitta. This Prāyaścitta rule makes it clear that the Acharya or Upadhyaya alone has the right to give new initiation or the Great Initiation, and they are the ones who incur Prāyaścitta if there is any error in it. Other Sadhus, Sadhvīs, or Pravartakas, Pravartiṇīs can also give initiation with the permission of the Acharya or Upadhyaya, but the main responsibility for determining their eligibility lies with the Acharya or Upadhyaya. Generally, according to the Āgamas, all Sadhus and Sadhvīs have the responsibility to guide others, but the instructions regarding the arrangements for the Chhedopasthāpanīyacāritra are within the authority of the Acharya or Upadhyaya. Therefore, they are the ones who are liable for Prāyaścitta if there is any misconduct in this regard.
Here, three options are mentioned in these three sūtras regarding the Great Initiation: (1) transgression of the limit due to forgetfulness, (2) transgression of the limit while remembering, (3) special transgression of the limit due to forgetfulness or non-forgetfulness.
When a Bhikṣu becomes Kalpāka in terms of time and qualities, they can be given the Great Initiation within four or five nights, meaning within four nights and by the fifth day. This is the meaning of the word "Chaurāya Pancharāyaṇo" in the sūtra. This allowance includes many reasons like travel, auspicious days, monthly periods, illness, etc.