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organization, then they lead to the break up of discipline and moral integrity. Therefore, the organizers of the Jaina church who were fully conscious of such problems, made such rules as were fit to blend together the ideals of respect for age and respect for scholarship and moral conduct as well. A few examples in this regard would not be out of place here.
Take for instance, the case of the ayariya-uvajjhāya whose requirements have already been discussed. He was to be a person of at least five years' standing plus the knowledge of the three cheyasuttas. Now if in spite of his seniority, he happened to have forgotten the texts, then he was asked to relearn the 'ācāra-prakalpa' and then only he was installed in the office. Thus due consideration for seniority as also the insistence on academic qualification was given. He was never brushed off nor was he denied the right to that post if he qualified himself again. But supposing this was not possible, then another person who was well-studied but whose seniority was degraded due to his having committed some transgression (nivuḍdhavāsapariyāë) was again initiated and installed as the acāryopadhyaya. However, two conditions were binding on him, and these were that his behaviour must be above board and he must earn the confidence of his colleagues and juniors. (Vav. III, 9, 10). If, however, he became licentious and worldly while in office, then he was not allowed to hold any office throughout his life. If he happened to do so while not holding the office, then he was suspended for a period of three years. (Vav. III, 16, 17, 21, 22). It will thus be evident that even the officers were required to act within the rules of monastic discipline failing which they had to face suspension or expulsion.
Similar injunctions were imposed on the other officers as well. If, however, circumstances were such that they were beyond the control of oneself then due consideration was given to such cases. For instance, if a monk had forgotten the texts due to illness, then he was allowed to re-learn these and then installed in his position. Even
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