Book Title: History of Jaina Monachism
Author(s): S B Deo
Publisher: Deccan College Research Institute

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Page 428
________________ HISTORY OF JAINA MONACHISM the Sutrakertänga (ädyadṛṣṭabhäva), who were not taught the 'sāmācāri (akṛtasāmācāri), who had spent less than three years in monk life (tarunadharma), and those who repudiated or disowned the guru at whose hands. they had learnt the sütra (guruninhavi). Those who revealed these texts to unfit students had to undergo prāyaścittas.236 The Qualities of the Teacher: Only those who were born in the 'Arya deśa,' in good family and race, those who had a dignified appearance, those who were endowed with fortitude, who used less words, who were not greedy or deceitful, who were impartial, having constant practice of study, knowing the local customs, practices, languages and the method of study, knowing the 'nayas' as well as one's own and rival systems, were allowed to teach.257 423 How to Learn the Sutra: The students sat in a circle (mandalīnisijjā),238 by giving up sleep and gossip, and joining the palms of their hands, they listened to the upadhyāya with devotion and respect. Such rapt attention in proper study was said to lead the disciples to their own welfare (ätmahita), knowledge of control (parijñā), stoppage of karman (bhavasamvara), the maintenance of religious and ascetic feeling (navanavaśca sarhvegah), stability of the mind (niskaṁhpatä), penance (tapas), dissipation of karman (nirjarā) and the ability to guide others (paradesikatva).239 Even to the layman who had come to listen to the sermon, the 'yatidharma' was to be taught first and not the 'upäsakadharma'. The reason was that by listening first to the 'upäsakadharma' the listener might think, "If 'saugati' is possible by following the layman's religion, why unnecessarily go in for the harder 'yatidharma' at all?", and thus he was likely to turn. away from the thought of becoming a monk. Therefore, the acarya who recited the 'upasakadharma' first to the audience had to undergo the 'catvāro guravaḥ' which were severe both in time and penance (tapasā kālena ca).240 236. Ibid. 758-90. 237. Ibid. 241-44; Vim. 12, 8. 238. Ibid. 12. 10-11. 239. Brh. kalp. bha. Vol. II, 1162. 240. Ibid. 1139, Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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