Pearls of Jaina Wisdom

Author(s): Dulichand Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 69

Life of Lord Mahāvīra
formed the nucleus of the new order and they composed all scriptural literature and rules of conduct and afterwards narrated the sacred literature to the other disciples. Establishment of the Ford
Lord Mahāvīra proved to be an able organiser and administrator. He stressed the importance of humility, noble conduct and discipline in the Sangha. He established Caturvidha Sangha ( the four-fold congregation ) of monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen. The Ganadharas played the most important role in this Sangha. The aim of forming this was to provide proper guidance to the monks and nuns from their preceptors, to inspire and stimulate the laymen and laywomen to look after the monks and the nuns and to continue receiving their guidance by listening to their religious sermons. The following posts were created based on ability and competence and the responsibilities were fixed as follows:
1. Ācārya : The spiritual preceptor and leader, the head of a mendicant group, who directed daily routine for the monks and the laity; who practised and preached the right conduct.
2. Upādhyāya : Spiritual teachers who used to impart religious instructions to junior monks.
3. Sthavira : The experienced and elderly monks formed this group.
4. Pravartaka : Responsible for maintaining the internal organisation of the Sangha, wanderings of the monks and nuns etc.
5. Gaņi : Heads of different groups under the congregation. 6. Gaņāvachedaka : Controller of divisions of the Sangha.
All the above together managed the education, discipline and wanderings of monks and nuns and also worked to spread the message amongst the lay people.
In the Sangha established by Lord Mahāvīra there was no difference between men and women. Both were regarded equally. The women were also initiated as nuns, which was a great revo
lutionary step at that time.