________________
SIDDHAS
I
ainism classifies all Karma into eight major categories. Four of them are Ghati Karma and they are removed first when a person becomes Kevali or Arihanta. The remaining four are Aghati Karma, namely Vedaniya (feeling pertaining karma), Nam (body structure determining karma), Gotra (status determining karma) and Ayushya (life span
determining karma). They are responsible Ae
for environment for our happiness and unhappiness, our body, social status and
life span. When the Kevalis destroy the remaining four Aghati Karma, they become Siddhas.
of birth and death. They have attained salvation. They do not have any type of past karma and they do not acquire any new karma. This state of pure freedom is called Liberation in Jainism. The crescent arc above the swastika represents Siddhashila. Siddhas reside in the space (above the crescent moon) called Moksha.
ACHARYAS
Siddhas are liberated souls. They are pure consciousness and do not
possess a body. They have ended the cycle
are
spiritual
charyas leaders and head of the Jain congregation. They have acquired a high level of spiritual excellence.
The
teachings of Lord Mahavir are carried on by the Acharyas. They are responsible for the spiritual welfare of the entire Jain congregation. Generally they know various languages and have a sound knowledge of other philosophies and religions
of
the world.
BASICS OF JAINISM ►
