ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

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

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SCHOOL
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Besides 28 basic characteristics of a Digambara Jaina monk or 27 for Svetāmbara monks, Acārya the chief monk observes 36 other primary observances resulting in virtues13
5.0 The upadhyaya: Teachers-monks 14
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY
स्वाध्याय
Meaning: Those saints who are possessed of three jewels, i.e., right faith, right knowledge, right conduct and are committed preachers of the doctrine of Reality i.e. Tattvas' (substances) as enunciated by the omniscient /Jina Tirthamkaras' and are possessed of the spirit of selflessness (desire-less-ness), are called the teacher monks (preceptors). The upādhyāya monks possess the knowledge of 11 limbs of the twelvefold canons, 14 limbs prior to Mahāvīra called Purvas (i.e., Knowledge of the whole of scriptures). Hence they are said to be have 25 primary virtues /Mulagunas.
5.1 Characteristics of Upadhyaya Monks:
Todarmal in Mokṣa-marga-prakāśaka has written the characteristics of 'upadhyāyas' as under:
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0
The Jaina monk who, having attained the knowledge of various Jain scriptures and attained or installed as the authority of teaching and preaching in the congregation of the monks and who by knowing their purposeful meaning, meditates upon the nature of the self (soul). If sometimes, due to rise of slight mild- passion he is not able to manifest himself in his soul, then he himself reads the scriptures and teaches other religious minded people. I bow to such an 'upadhyaya monk who teaches Jain doctrine to all living beings with potential for attaining liberation.
13 Dharma or ten religious observances called Dasalakṣaṇa (10) Characteristics of passionless conduct or religion (supreme forbearance, modesty, straight forwardness, contentment, truth, self-restrain, austerity, renunciation, detachment or possession-less-ness and supreme celibacy); Tapa - Penance: External (6) Fasting, reduced diet - (not stomach full), restricted beginning for food, avoidance of full meals abstaining tasty articles of food, lonely habitation away from the haunts of men, mortification of body and Internal (6) Expiation for negligence, reverence to holy personages, serving and attending upon holy saints, studying scriptures, giving up attachment with body, meditation; Conduct (5): Related to faith, knowledge, conduct, penance and energy.); Controls (3) of mind, speech and body; Essentials (6): Observing Equanimity, Eulogy, salutation, studying with interest, repentance for transgressions, chanting Namokara Mantra.
14 Rayaṇattay samjuttä jinakahida payattha desaya surā, nikkamkha bhavasahidā uvajjhāyā erisā homtil Niyamasära by Kundakunda verse -74
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