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S. B. DEO jīvāë). If, on the other hand, he did so after leaving his office then he was suspended for three years.39 It was for the purpose of checking his conduct as also for safety that he had always to live in the company of two others normally, and with three others during the rainy season.40
In case a ganāvacchedaka while holding the office became worldly (ohāëjjā), then he was disallowed to hold a position of authority throughout his life. But if he did so after leaving the reins of his power, then he had to face suspension for three years.41 Persons who were liars, of deceitful nature, or of sinful or impure tendencies were deemed unfit for this post even though they were well-versed.42
Great care was taken in appointing a person to this office. Persons who had forgotten the āyārapakappa owing to idleness were disqualified for office. Those, on the other hand, who had forgotten it owing to illness, were asked to restudy the text and then were re-appointed to the post. In the case of old monks who had forgotten the text, they were asked to take lessons even from younger monks for making themselves qualified for the post and were given the concession of studying while lying down if they were unable to learn it in a sitting posture due to weakness or age.43
Āyariya :
In line with that of the gaņāvacchedaka, the qualifications required for becoming an ācārya were eight years' standing in monkhood and the knowledge of Sthānānga and Samavāyānga.44 Besides these, an ideal moral conduct was expected the more in this person as compared with others, as he was the supreme head possessing over-riding powers.
The moral aspect of this office is seen stressed in practically all the texts whenever they happen to refer to the qualifications of this person. The Avaśyakaniryukti45 described an ācārya as one who exhibited the proper fivefold conduct (āyāra) consisting of knowledge (nāņa), faith (darisana), good behaviour (cāritta), penance (tava), and fortitude (viriya). At other place, the ācārya is compared to a lamp which, while shining by itself, gives light to others. 46
39. Ibid., 3, 14-15. 40. Ibid., 4, 3; 4, 8. 41. Ibid., 3, 19-20. 42. Ibid., 3, 24. 43 Ibid., 5, 17-18. 44. Ibid., 3, 7. 45. V. 998. 46. Dasav-N. 31: 'Dīvasamā āyariyā dippanti param ca dīvanti'.
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