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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Pravartaka is concerned about and takes care of the activities of Ga a or rama a congregation. If they notice that any rama a has fervour for penance etc., the Pravartaks encourage the
rama as to enhance these qualities. It is the duty of the Pravartaka to encourage a rama a whom he thinks fit to attain perfection in a particular discipline. Similarly if he finds a rama a unfit in any discipline, he has to advise him to avoid it. The ascetics apparently need a guide. The Pravartaka always tries to cheer up and boost the morale of the Ga a.
STHAVIRA: The rank of Sthavira is very significant in Jain congregations.Ten types of Sthaviras were described in Sth n mga S tra, the last three being - Vaya Sthavira, ruta Sthavira and Pary ya Sthavira. These three ranks are connected with the rama a life. In normal usage Sthavira means "aged' or mature. The one who is older in age is J ti Sthavira. Sth n mga V tti determines his age as 60. The one who is wellversed in ruta Samavay mga gama and in scriptures is called as ruta Sthavira. Age is not the criterion for them; they could even be young. And Pary ya Sthaviras are those, whose initiation span (span of the renuncer life) is long. V ttik ra says that their span of intiation is 20 years.
Sthavira rama as have their own greatness. They are staunch followers of Dharma, and are always alert and ready to spare their time and effort to help rama as stick to their path of Dharma, assisting them in their practice and strengthening their virtue of self-restraint. Usually Sthaviras aim at Samvigna liberation. They are soft-spoken and very tender at heart. If any monk either totally or partially neglects the rules and regulations that help to gain knowledge and build the conduct or fails to follow them regularly, immediately the sthavira reminds him of his duties, explains the importance of knowledge and conduct. To the monks, who are on the verge of fall, the sthavira explains the consequences of worldly / temporal and spiritual fall and not only brings him back onto the track but also stabilizes him on the Holy Path. This implies that Sthavira performs the great task of guarding the selfrestrained life of rama as. He enjoys a prestigious position and goodwill in congregation. In brief, the Sthavira himself is unswerving and strong-natured in controlling the sensual inclinations. Besides he encourages the members to remain like that.
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