$JES 302 Jain Philosophy Level 3 Book

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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JAIN ASCETICS (SADHUS AND SADHVIS) all their life. The reason for not wearing shoes is that while walking, they can avoid crushing the bugs or insects on the ground. When they travel from place to place, they preach religion (Dharma) and provide proper spiritual guidance to people. They do not stay more than a few days in any one place except during the rainy season, which is about four months in duration. The reason they do not stay anywhere permanently or for a long period in one place is to avoid developing an attachment for material things and the people around them. The Sädhus and Sadhvis generally do not go out at night. The place where they stay is called Upäshray or Paushadha Shälä. They may stay in places other than the Upäshray if those places are suitable to the practice of their disciplined life and if they do not disturb or impede the code of conduct.
Loch (Plucking of hair)
The Jain Sädhus and Sadhvis after receiving the Dikshä (initiation), pluck their hair twice a year or at least once a year at the time of Paryushan. They pluck their hair or they get the hair plucked by others. This is called Kesh-lochan or Loch. It is also considered as one kind of austerity where one bears the pain of plucking hair calmly.
Clothing: Digambar Jain monks do not wear any clothes. Shvetämbar monks wear un-stitched or minimally stitched white cotton clothes. A loincloth, which reaches to the shins, is called a Cholapattak. Another cloth covering the upper part of the body is called Pangarani (Uttariya Vastra). A cloth that passes over the left shoulder and covers the body up to a little above the ankle is called a Kämli. They also carry a bed sheet and a mat to sit on. Shvetämbar monks also have a Muhapatti- a square or rectangular piece of cloth of a prescribed measurement either in their hand or tied on their face covering the mouth. They also have Ogho or Rajoharan (a broom of woolen threads) to clear insects from where they sit or walk. Digambar monks have a Morpichhi (peacock feathers) instead of an Ogho and a Kamandal (small wooden pot) in their hands to keep water for purification of the body. These are the articles by which they can be distinguished. This practice may vary among different sects of Jains but the essential principles remains the same to limit needs.
Conferring a Title: The Jain Sädhus, after being initiated (receiving Dikshä), devote their lives to spiritual activities such as meditation, seeking knowledge, acquiring self-discipline, etc. Proceeding on the path of spiritual endeavor, they reach a higher level of attainment. Their spiritual elders, for the preservation of the four-fold Jain Sangha, confer upon them special titles.
The Title of Ächärya: This title is considered to be very high and involves a great responsibility. The entire responsibility of the Jain Sangha rests on the shoulders of the Acharya. Before attaining this title, one has to make an in-depth study and a thorough exploration of the Jain Agams and
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE I
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