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Types Of Monastic Ordinations -
The scriptures mention five types of monastic ordinations starting from the simplest type called 'Sāmāyik Cäritra'to the ultimate monastic conduct of the enlightened souls known as 'Yathākhyāt Căritra'. The three that fall in between are - 'Chedopasthāpanīya Caritra', 'Parihāraviśuddha Căritra' and "Sūksma Samparāya Caritra'. 1. Sāmāyik Caritra - In this type of ordination the initiated
aspirant renounces all forms of violence, sensory enjoyments, passions and encumbrance as well as night
eating and aspires to gain a state of volitional equanimity. 2. Chedopasthapanīya Cãritra - the aspirant ascetic is
taken off the Sāmāyik conduct and re-established in the five great vows. This type of ordination has provisions for exceptions to the rules of conduct and awarding of due expiation therefor. The term 'ched' refers to reduction in monastic seniority or expulsion from the monastic order as a punishment depending upon the severity of the infraction and upasthāpana means reinstatement after due
expiation. 3. Parihara-viśuddha Caritra - this is a more stringent
form of monastic conduct in which both, the flaws and
consequent karmic bondage are minimised. 4. Sūksma Samparāya Caritra - In this type of conduct
the aspirant ascetic overcomes all types of passion except
some traces of greed-passion. 5. Yathākhyāt Caritra - This is the monastic conduct of
ultimate purity in which there are no spiritual flaws left. This state of conduct is achieved by the corporeal and incorporeal omniscient souls.
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