ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 39

SCHOOL
TIONAL
OF
SELF STUDY IS THE
SUPREME AUSTERITY
•
स्वाध्याय परम तप
STUDIES
substances and of alien impure dispositions (evolved in the absence of Karmas) and hence the true nature of pure soul and bliss state also. They the 'Siddhas' serve as images who have attained the supreme state attainable. Hence they continue to dwell in such (a perfect blissful) state infinitely. I salute to such accomplished 'Siddhas'.
4.0 Acaryas. Preceptors, The chief of the congregation of monks 10
Those saints who are possessed of five kinds of conduct (ethico-spiritual practices), who are firm in their determination, who exercise restraint on the inclinations (like elephants) of the five senses and who are profound in virtues are called the chief of the order of the saints(Acaryas). They possess / practice 36 basic /essential virtues11.
4.1 Characteristics of Acaryas
Todarmal in his 'Mokṣa-marga-prakāśaka' has written the characteristics of Acārya monk as under:
He who has become the leader of a congregation of monks by acquiring the chief rank by virtue of excellence in right belief, right knowledge and right conduct and who chiefly remains engrossed in the contemplation of steady pure state of self (Nirvikalpa Svarupācarana). Also due to rise of slight mild attachment and compassionate feeling, he preaches sermons to only those living beings who pray for and are curious for religion. He administers initiation into monkhood 12 to those who want to accept asceticism. He also rehabilitates the monks into monkhood, who admit their faults through a process of expiation by those monks. I bow to such an ascetic chief monk Acārya who admonishes such kind of spiritual conduct.
10 Niyamasāra by Kundakunda verse 73: Pañcācāra- samaggā; Pañcimdaya damtidappa niddalaṇā. Dhirā gūnagambhīrā, āyariyā erisā homti.
11 Called Mulagūnas
12 Called Dikṣā
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0