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Such spiritual masters wield great spiritual influence on the followers (ordained ascetics as well as the lay followers) of their respective orders and are highly venerated by them. They administer and control their religious orders in all its spiritual and organisational aspects and ensure that every member of their flock remains on the right path. They not only lead by their own personal example but also by ensuring that the writ of the faith prevails. They are also empowered to punish the defaulters in accordance with the scriptural provisions.
No wonder, then, that every member of the order feels obliged to bow to them every day, day after day.
Upādhyāya -
Upādhyāyas are the ordained monks who are preceptors, learned in scriptural learning, and who propagate the message of the Prophet-propounders by teaching and preaching the Jaina precepts to the fellow monks and nuns and the laity. They are venerated for their unsurpassed learning and are remembered and bowed to by every follower of the faith everyday.
Sādhu -
Sādhu or the saints (including the ordained monks and the nuns) are those who renounce the mundane life of worldly pleasures and accept monastic ordination for pursuing the goal of spiritual purification through the practice of non-violence, restraints and penance. Their restraints are all aimed at ensuring perfect non-violence towards all gross and fine creatures and include strict and flawless observance of five great vows (Panca Mahāvrata), five types of vigilance (Pañca Samiti), three controls (Trigupti), ten monastic duties (Muni-dharma) and twelve advanced monastic practices (Pratimā). They are the true followers of the path of liberation and are worthy of worship and veneration by the laity as well as by the fellow ascetics. They,
8: JAINISM: THE CREED FOR ALL TIMES
| SR No. | 006564 |
| Book Title | Jainism the Creed for All Times |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | D S Baya |
| Publisher | Prakrit Bharti Academy |
| Publication Year | 2006 |
| Total Pages | 420 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 20 MB |