Jainism For Beginners Level 02

Author(s): Sayampurnashreeji
Publisher: Sayampurnashreeji

Page 45

Joch PLUCKING OF HAIR
& The
he Jain Sadhus and Sadhvis after receiving the Diksha (initiation), pluck their hair twice a year or at least once a year at the time of Paryushan. They pluck their hair or they get the hair plucked by others. This is called Kesh-loonchan or Loch, it is also considered as one kind of austerity where one bears the pain of plucking hair calmly.
CLOTHING
wear un-stitched or minimally stitched white cotton clothes. They also carry a kamli, santhara and asan to sit on.
M mini
Monks also have a Muhapatti- a square or rectangular piece of cloth of a prescribed measurement. They also have Ogho or Rajoharan (a broom of woolen threads) to clear insects from where they sit or walk. These are the articles by which they can be distinguished. This practice
may vary among different sects of Jains but the essential principles remains the same to limit needs.
Confering A TITLE
& Te
he Jain Sadhus, after being initiated (receiving Diksha) devote their iives to spiritual activities such as meditation, seeking knowledge, acquiring self-discipline, etc. Proceeding on the path of spiritual endeavor, they reach a higher level of attainment. Their spiritual elders, for the preservation of the four-fold Jain Sangha, confer upon them special titles.
The Title of ACHARYA
his title is considered to be very high and involves a great responsibility. The entire responsibility of the Jain Sangha rests on the shoulders of the Acharya. Before attaining this title, one has to make an in-depth study and a thorough exploration of the Jain Agams and attain mastery of them. One must also study the various languages of the surrounding territory and acquire a thorough knowledge of all the philosophies of the world related to different ideologies & religions.
JAIN ASCETICS (SADHUS & SADHVIS) ►
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