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Āċārya.
THE END OF THE ROAD
These scriptures most Jaina laymen are familiar with, but the instructor should, according to some Jaina, have also studied the scriptures the laymen have not read, namely, the eleven Anga and the twelve Upanga or the Caranasitari1 and the Karanasitari 2, or, according to others, the eleven Anga and the fourteen Purva. All teaching and studying is a kind of austerity; if a man studies intentionally to gain merit, he will get merit (punya); if, however, he studies and teaches to gain and impart knowledge with no thought of acquiring merit, he will destroy certain karma (nirjarā).
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A still higher rank is attained when a monk becomes an Āċārya or Superior. In many sects the Acārya is chosen simply by seniority (this is nearly always the case in Kāṭhiāwāḍ), but in others the Acarya is selected for ability, or powers of leadership, as is generally done in Mālwā.
The choosing of a new Superior or Acārya is made the occasion of great rejoicing. Jaina laymen come to the Apăsaro, take the twelve vows or renew them, and sing songs and make the greatest noise imaginable. In order to permit of animals sharing in their rejoicing, they pay butchers varying sums to cease killing for those days. An Acārya is a man of very high dignity: he never travels alone, but is always accompanied by at least two sadhus; and as his fame grows, the number of his disciples increases. When the writer, for instance, had the pleasure in Rajkot of meeting Śivalälaji Mahārāja (who is considered the most learned Sthanakavāsi ācārya of the present time), he had travelled thither with twenty-one attendant sådhus.
The power of excommunication for religious offences lies with the Acarya acting with the Jaina community or sangha, and it is to the Acarya that, whenever possible, the monks of his sangha should make confession. As a rule the Acarya wears the same dress, eats the same food, and
1 Or Caraṇānuyoga.
2 Or Karananuyoga.
3 The Acarya, acting with the community, excommunicates for religious offences; but for offences against society the Mahajana (committee of leading Baniya) excommunicates.
