Book Title: Jaina Acara Siddhanta aur Svarupa
Author(s): Devendramuni
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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Page 174
________________ 140 Jaina Acāra : Siddhanta aura Swarūpa way to earnest seekers. He inspires them to practise good conduct. He is endowed with seven gifts as follows: (1) Acārasampadā-- His conduct is impeccable. He is firm therein and none can shake him. He never thinks himself great and others small. His routine is regulated and flawless. What he eats can never be meant for him. Even though at times newly-initiated and young, he behaves as a mature man does. Like elderly recluses he observes all rules vigorously. (2) Srutasampadā—He is well-read. He has a wide knowledge of religion, philosophy, literature, culture, people and their activities. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the living and non-living, soul and super-soul. He is capable of explicating Jaina tenets, their myteries and significance. His pronunciation is correct and distinct. His speech is enticing and captivating. (3) VaqarasampadāWhat he speaks has a sort of magnetic power which irresistibly attracts the audience to him. His voice is sweet as sugarcandy. The poet Bharavi has rightly said that profitable and at the same time charming speech is rare indeed. (4) Sarirasampada-His body has an aura about it. It is forbearing.. His sense-organs are in perfect order and strictly under his control. (5) Vacanasampada---He imparts teaching as much as learners may grasp. He explains the holy texts with tangible proofs, illustrations, similes, metaphors and the like. He tests whether his pupils have really comprehended what was taught earlier. He revises lessons when needed and is never in a hurry to finish any text, since it's no use lecturing to the walls. For want of other appointments he gladly does the work which his assistants are ordinarily expected to do. (6) Matisampadā—His intellect is sharp and penetrating. No subject relevant to his position is beyond his ken. (7) Prayogasampada- In case of a debate on the scriptures he should know what sort of people professing what religion and philosophy are disputants. Where opponents are not open to reason and are dogmatic, he should avoid discussions with them. Discussion for the sake of discussion is futile. Discussion is fruitful when it adds to the knowledge of disputants. He should be extraordinarily talented since his victory or defeat is the glory or infamy of the whole Order. (8) Sangrahaharijnasampada-Since life has to be lived and the body maintained, even monks have to keep certain things with them. The only condition is that they must not be attached to them. The head must be circumspect. He must know what monks can be sent to what territories, what monks are physically incapacitated so as to need service, whether medical facilities are available nearby, where convenience for studies exists, what territories or provincess are left unattended and the like. He should also know Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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