ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 144

SCHOOL
OF
SELF STUDY IS THE
SUPREME AUSTERITY
स्वाध्याय
परमे
12 Bhagavati (5th limb of Jain canons), verses 6/100-212, 2/51-66
omniscience i.e. significant criterion for the organization and its leader should be acceptable to all stakeholders.
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
राप
Organization & Management
The word used for organization in Jain literature is called Sargha or congregation. The constitution, organizational hierarchy, qualifications and duties etc for different constituents of the sangha, code of conduct etc are very well described in the literature. Given below are some examples:12
i. Mahāvīra did not speak or deliver sermons or organize the sangha till he himself attained omniscience.
ii. The entire sangha was divided into four folds namely Monks Male, Monks female; Laity male, laity female. This division was based on the inclinations of the individuals to practice spirituality whole time or part time. Each wing was headed by a chief (Line organization)
iii. After attainingomniscience, Mahāvīra first selected his principaldisciples based on their extraordinary knowledge, and regardless of age, caste etc (like board of directors), who were all highly intellectual each with large following called ganadharas, (eleven of them). Each was assigned administration of one or more of gaņas or sub-sanghs. These eleven ganadharas organization structure (flat and clearly marked responsibilities, authority, selection criterion, path to progress and the key management like at corporate headquarters mainly involved in setting examples, finding new products/ business lines, providing technical guidance as and when needed etc). Further the chief (Lord Mahāvīra in this case) is like a mentor who is not at all involved in operational issues i.e. day to day affairs of the sangha but is there as a guide/ideal to be achieved and for resolving issues of universal importance and communicate them in the language understood by one and all for transparency and universal law.
iv. The hierarchy in the sarigha was Acarya (as head) responsible to maintain the sanctity of literature and the conduct of the monks; Upadhyaya (teacher) who is well versed in canons and teaches other monks; sadhus or monks who practice the path of spiritual purification; Gani or a leader of a sub sangha or gana. Similarly the laity was classified as Pākṣika or beginner, Naisthika or intermediate and Sadhaka or serious. Thus a management hierarchy with self discipline for all is the key to success.
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