Aspects of Jaina Religion

Author(s): Vilas Sangve
Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith

Page 90

86 :: Aspects of Jaina Religion
food standing; and 28. Eating not more than once a day.
These virtues are termed root-virtues, because in their absence other saintly virtues cannot be acquired.
(5) Classes of Ascetics
The ascetics are divided into different classes according to the strictness with which they observe the rules for ascetic life and their standing or position in the order of monks. The Jaina ascetics are broadly divided into two categories, viz., the ascetics who observe the rules of conduct in their strictest form, without ever having recourse to exceptions, are called Jinakalpi sādhus, and those who practise the ascetic prescriptions in a milder form are known as sthavirakalpi sādhus.
Further, the heads of the groups of saints are called Achāyas, those in charge of instruction are termed as Upadhyāyas and the rest of the ascetics are known as mere Sādhus.
Moreover, there are different grades among ascetics according to the approved stages through which the rigour of ascetic life is increased.