Jains Today in World

Author(s): Pirre Paul AMIEL
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 74

Their Revered Beings : 43 Concerning the “Siddha”, we may say too that, for some Jain branches, no liberation is possible during the present cycle of decline of the world. This does not mean that adepts must despair and make no efforts for it. By strictly observing the rules of living taught by the Tīrthankara, they are sure to remove from their soul the “karma" accumulated during previous lives and avoid absorbing new, which is extremely benefice for their future life (or lives).
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The “Acārya” (Spiritual Masters)
Even if some Jains limit their worship to the Tīrthankara and the Siddha, most add to them the “Acārya”, “Upādhyāya” and “Sādhu", especially in the "Great Mantra”.
Jain “Ācārya” are the spiritual masters who, after an exemplary period as monks, receive a special consecration and are in charge of a group of monks. Until recently, all were males but currently this title has been given to a Sthānakavāsi nun named Candanā, after Mahāvīra's example to put Candanā at the head of the nuns; till now the most valorous nuns received the title of “Mahattarā" or “Pravartini."
The “Ācārya” of the different Jain obediences are very respected by the laity and the ascetics for their exemplary life and their great knowledge of religions, rituals and sacred books they have studied.
Numerous eminent “Ācārya”, cited in Jain history, were great Doctors of the faith. Many have written commentaries on sacred literature, books on religion and various other subjects. Some were close to Emperors, Kings and Ministers in India and had great influence during "The Golden Age" of Jainism. Such religious masters exist in the different sections and branches. We will cite among the most ancient renowned Svetāmbara Ācārya Haribhadra (VIII century), Siddhasena Gaņi (Vich century), Śīlānka (IX\" century), Sänti