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Acharyas:
The message of Jina, Lord Mahavir, the last tirthankara, is carried on by the acharyas. They are our spiritual leaders. The responsibility of the spiritual welfare of the entire Jain Sangh, rests on the shoulders of the acharyas. Before reaching this state, one has to do in-depth study and achieve mastery of the Jain scriptures (Agamas). In addition to acquiring a high level of spiritual excellence, they have the ability to lead the monks and nuns. They know various languages with a sound knowledge of other philosophies and religions of the area and the world.
Upadhyayas:
Upadhyayas are the teachers. This title is given to those sadhus who have acquired a special knowledge of the Agamas and philosophical systems. They teach Jain scriptures to sadhus and sadhvis.
Sadhus and Sadhvis:
When householders become detached from the worldly aspects of life and desire spiritual upliftment, they give up their worldly lives and become sadhus (monks) or sadhvis (nuns). Before becoming sadhus or sadhvis, a lay person must observe sadhus or sadhvis to understand their life style. When they feel confident that they will be able to live the life of a monk or a nun, they inform the acharya that they are ready. If the acharya is convinced that they are ready and are capable of following the strict vows of monkhood, then he gives them deeksha. Deeksha is the initiation ceremony when a householder becomes a monk or a nun. At the time of deeksha, the sadhu or sadhvi voluntarily agrees to obey the following five major vows for the rest of his/ her life. 1. Commitment to total ahinsa (non-violence)-not to commit any type
of violence 2. Commitment to total satya (truth)-not to indulge in any type of lie
or falsehood
shantidoot | messenger of peace
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