Jain Legend Vol 2

Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

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spiritual power of the Heads of the Dharma congregation – the great c ryas.
Classification of ranks in the congregation
Ranks were created taking into consideration that the monks (male and female) should remain strong in their practice and be united and disciplined, they should be dedicated to the continuous acquisition of knowledge and practice of elevation, and be involved in the propagation, glorification and development of Dharma, they should lead an unblemished life with self-restraint and control, and the congregation should run naturally in an efficient manner. With these objects in view the classification of ranks is mentioned in Sth n mga S tra and B hatkalpa S tra. The ranks were: 1 Preceptor ( c rya), 2 Holy-teacher (Up dhy ya), 3 Preacher-monk (Pravartaka), 4 Elder-monks or elders (Sthavira), 5 Scholar-monks (Ga i), 6 Chief disciple of T rthamkara (Ga adhara) and 7 Supporting-monks or junior monks (Ga vacchedaka).
Just like the monks, even female-monks obeyed the orders of the c rya. Ranks similar to monks were also created for female monks (e.g. Pravartin Mahattar, elder (Sthavir ) and Ga avachedik ) were created to facilitate the spiritual life of female-monks and to see that their daily routine is carried out smoothly, to curb any unnecessary interaction between male and female monks and to ensure that they are in a position to lead their ascetic life perfectly like that of the monks. The attributes - physical, oratory and spiritual prosperity and the abilities of a person who holds the respective rank, their responsibilities, their sacred duties and the work to be carried out by them etc., as stated in the scriptures and ancient traditions, are discussed below:
c rya (Preceptor): In the Dharma congregation of Lord Mah v ra, the c rya was considered as the most respected one and of the highest order. Proper administration, protection, growth, discipline, unity and multi-faceted development etc. of the congregation lies on the shoulders of c rya. In the entire Dharma congregation his decision and direction is considered as final and binding and respected by everyone. This is the reason why as the correct interpreter and orator of Lord Mah v ra's preaching, the c rya is considered like the T rthamkara himself and is the eye of the entire congregation.
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