Book Title: Jain Legend Vol 2
Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana
View full book text
________________
GA I (group leader or scholar par excellence): The ordinary meaning of Ga i is leader of a ga a (group of people) or a group of monks (male and female). That is why this word is used for c rya also. But in this context, the word conveys a special meaning. One who is an unparalleled scholar, and who has the total scriptural knowledge was nominated as Ga i.
Even though the c rya is supreme in congregation, it does not mean that he is the greatest scholar and the most erudite one, among the rama as of the congregation. Often these qualities are found in Ga is. So he can also address the c ryas. If a crya is interested in learning the religious treatises, he is welcome to do the same from Ga is. This is an ideal example of how the knowledge and the knowledgeable are treated with respect.
GA ADHARA: The literal meaning of the word is that the person who bears the responsibility of Ga a or rama a congregation, the leader, Lord or c rya. According to va yaka V tti, one who owns the doctrinal knowledge as conveyed by T rthamkara and composes the same as scriptures is a ga adhara.
Scriptural literature used this word mostly in two contexts. In the first, a Ga adhara is the chief disciple of the T rthamkara who compiles the doctrine preached by T rthamkara in the form of Dw da mga. He takes care of the different Ga is of their Dharma congregation. He gives discourses on scriptures to the rama as of his ga a. The Stras are their soul mates. In other words they are creators of S tras.
The word used in the second context is, (written in Sth n mga V tti) as the one who alerts monks ( ryas) and S dhv s, that is to say, he always guides and inspires them in the path of asceticism and extends his cooperation in spiritual matters.
GA AVACHEDAKA: He is mostly associated with the administrative part, and helps to strengthen the congregation, extends support to it and provides a means to rama as to advance in their spiritual pursuit. He mobilises the necessary things for the rama a-life by travelling around to different places and by always making similar efforts.
26
