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CONDUCT
Eight Attributes of Siddha Anant-jnän
Anant-darshan
Anant, Avyäbädha-sukha
Anant-chäritra
Akshaya-sthiti
Arupitva
Aguru-laghutva
Anant-virya
Infinite knowledge
Infinite perception
Infinite, uninterrupted bliss
Infinite perfect conduct
Immortality
Formlessness
Equal-ness with other Siddhas
Infinite energy
04 Acharya
Ächärya is the spiritual head of the Jain congregation (Sangha) in the absence of Tirthankar. The teachings of Tirthankar are carried on by the Ächäryas. They are our spiritual leaders. The responsibility of spiritual (not social or economic) welfare of the entire Jain community rests on the shoulders of the Ächäryas. Before reaching this state, one has to do an in depth study and achieve mastery of the Jain scriptures (Ägams). In addition to acquiring a high level of spiritual excellence, they also lead the congregation of monks, nuns, and laypeople. They have knowledge of various languages and other philosophies and religions of the world. They have the following 36 attributes:
Thirty-six Attributes of Acharya - Shvetämbar Tradition
Five Attributes - Control over pleasures or pain derived from five sense organs
C01 Pancha Paramesthi
Touch, Taste, Smell, Sight, Hearing
Ächärya Mahäräj remains in perfect equanimity whether these sensory experiences are favorable or unfavorable.
Nine Attributes - Guard against sensual pleasure to observe celibacy (Brahmacharya)
⚫ They do not stay near or in a place where persons of the opposite sex, eunuchs, or animals live.
⚫ They do not stay alone in a place with a person of the opposite sex.
• They do not observe a person of the opposite sex.
⚫ They do not sit at the same place where a person of the opposite sex has been sitting until a certain amount of time has elapsed.
They do not listen to the conversations of couples and do not live in a place where they must share a common wall with a couple.
They do not think about any sensual pleasures or experiences from their life before renunciation.
They do not consume intoxicating food or liquids.
⚫ They do not indulge in tasty foods and eat simple foods in moderation.
⚫ They do not adorn the body and wear simple clothes.
Four Attributes - Complete control over four passions (Kashayas)
⚫ Krodha (Anger)
⚫ Mäna (Ego)
⚫ Mäyä (Deceit)
Compendium of Jainism - 2015
Page 129 of 398
