Atonements In Ancient Ritual Of Jaina Monks

Author(s): Collete Caillat
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

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"superior's companions" (ācāryadvitīyaka) (Bh 3, 76)2. They stipulate that the theoretical examination of a candidate for the honours must be followed by a complementary practical examination (parikşā). The dignitary is given the task of educating a "little one" (ksullaka), an "elder", an “adolescent" or a “waster2:
suddhassa ja pāriccha khuddaya there ya taruna khaggūde (ibid,
Bh 66a). If he proves his dedication and instructs and reforms them, the priocipal āyariya (mūl'ayariya) puts him in charge of a "circle" where he teaches the interpretation, and a “circle" where he teaches the text of the Law. He is finally put in charge of a flock, if he has borne this double burden without failing :
iya suddha sutta-mandali davijjai altha-mandali ceva
dohlm pi asīyante, dei ganam...(Bh 3, 73). In this way the aptitude of the canditate will have been tested, as gold is tested by heat or by touchstone : he may now be considered as a "chosen vessel" and endowed with a gana3.
However, add the commentaries, men of experience recommend that any religious chosen as a future superior be endowed with the "signs of the ācārya”, (acārya-laksana) : auspicious signs (laksana) are also characteristic of an heir to the throne. These “marks”, in a way, guarantee the future pro-, sperity of the gana or the kingdom (Bh 3, 205 f.).
Consequently, Bh Ț not only require of a prospective superior the absence of all physical deformity, which is a Degative condition, but also they tend to stipulate the contrary positive condition, for alms fall naturally to someone who is physically gifted 4. So much so that in the absence of an "adept" (sometimes even in preference to an adept), a "postulant" is chosen who is "as beautiful as Love"5 : The esteem which a person enjoyed in secular life as a result of his extraction, his wealth or his power, follows him into the religious life and is a benefit to the whole community. His presence not only strengthens his discouraged companions and prompts laymco to be generous, but also apparently forestalls many awkward situations. A doctor, when consulted, will take good care to prescribe appropriate treatment. If a king abducts a nun, he will return her discreetly. The
1, But as it is said sicakāt satram, any proposition may be authenticated ! 2. klagsüda...vakr'acara (T IV' 166 6). But sce PSM (s. v.) 3. iasmin pariksite patrc gano diyate, T IV 20a 2. 4. tasya mulam akytih, T IV 15a ft. 5. yo capy agilartho 'pi akytimān rūpeņa Makaradhaja-tulyah sa ganardharapade nive's.
pare, T IV 22a 5.