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S. B. DEO
was termed 'suyathera,' and he who had twenty years of monk life was designated 'pariyāyathera.' Thus, considerations of age, learning and standing as a monk may be said to be at the basis of this classification. The word 'thcrabhūmī' perhaps shows that the position of a thera was not only based on age but also on qualifications. Another rule which says that if the monks have forgotten the 'āyārapakappa' (rules of monastic conduct) then they should be allowed to restudy it and then should be installed in a higher office',18 goes well with the above observation.
The theras occupied a position of respect. That they played an important part in the group of monks is revealed by the fact that the junior monks had to seek permission of the theras before doing important activities of daily routine, as we shall notice. Along with these responsibilities, they enjoyed certain privileges also. They were allowed to take rest while others begged for them, and to use skins if on account of old age their limbs brushed with each other. They were also permitted to deposit their requisites with a house-holder or a companion in case they were unable to carry these. 19
Uvajjhāya :
The upadhyāya was a person who had at least three years' standing in monkhood to his credit (tivāsapariyāya). He was a person who knew the etiquettes of monastic conduct (āyārakusala), who was well-controlled, expert in the sacred lore and its exposition (pavayanakusala, paņņattikusala), and knew how to induce people to the fold (sangahakusala).
The minimum academic qualification of this officer consisted of at least the knowledge of āyārapakappa. Nobody who did not possess these qualifications was appointed to this office only because he had completed three years' standing in monkhood.20
The chief duty of an upādhyāya was to give instructions to the younger monks in the group. It seems that he had no other administrative work and he was the head of the educational side of a group of monks as well as of nuns.21
The Niryuktis give fanciful derivations of the words uvajjhāya and ujjhā. According to one niryukti,22 the letter 'u' stood for 'upayoga
18. Ibid., 5, 17. 19. Ibid., 8, 5. 20. Ibid., 3, 3-4. 21. Ibid., 3, 12, lays down uvajjhāya as one of the three protectors of nuns. 22. Avaśyaka-N. 1002.
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