________________
Gachchhachar (Meaning with Commentary)
[Gachchhachar is a seventh Prakirnak and its number in 45 Aagams is 30.Here we have given its number 30/1 because in our former publications of 45 Aagams in Sanskrut, Prakrut, Hindi, Gujarati etc...everywhere we have given these types of numbers. We have put "Chandravedhyak" as 30/2 number.]
Benediction and Statement of Purpose:--
[1] Meaning- After bowing to noblest of the noble lord Mahaveera whom Tridasendra, the king of Traayantrimsak gods bow to. I shall describe the subject of conduct in monastic groups [Gachchhachar], drawing it out of the ocean of scriptural knowledge.
The Harms of staying in wayward monastic groups:--
[2] Meaning- O' Gautama! There are some that stay in the wayward monastic group and keep on wandering in the mundane existences.
►The Gains of Staying in the Righteous Monastic Groups:--
[3 to 5] Meaning- O' Gautam! benefit one draws from staying in a righteous monastic group for any length of time half a Prahara, a Prahar (a Period of approximately three hours), a day, a fortnight, a month, or a year is that even if one is beset with lethargy, pride lack of enthusiasm or sadness, he is enthused and motivated to enthusiastically by seeing other noble and glorious monks in the group. One is, thus, able to transcend sham, doubt, etc and get involved in the pursuit of one's monastic duties vigorously.
[6] Meaning- O' Gautam! The moment an aspirant soul is gripped by vigorous spiritual energy, it is able to destroy the heap of karma accumulated over many a birth in a very short time.
[7] Meaning-Therefore, O' Gautam! A restrained monk must identify a monastic group that is righteous and stay in it for the entire duration of his life.
▸ Description of the Acharya's Characteristics:
[8] Meaning- Acharya, the spiritual master and leader of the monastic group must be thoroughly reliable, supportive and endowed with right vision. One must make sure of this before joining the monastic group.
[9] Meaning- O' Venerable one! How can an ordinary monk know as to which Acharya is on the wrong path? O' Monk! Pray listen to me about this.
[10-11] Meaning- The Acharya who follow arbitrary conduct, are unrighteous engaged in violent activities, are comfort loving and are careless in preserving waterborne life. Who have deviated from their primary and secondary virtues, who do not confess and repent for their excesses and transgressions everyday and who are always engaged in spiritually useless talk are said to be on the wrong path.
[12] Meaning- Even for master endowed with thirty-six virtues of Acharya It is best to confess and repent for his excesses and transgressions in front of other members of the monastic group every day.
[4]
