Studies in Buddhist and Jaina Monachism

Author(s): Nand Kishor Prasad
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 232

THE CUSTODIANS OF MONASTIC DISCIPLINE
learning, sarirasampaya (qualification of physical fitness), vacanasampaya (qualification of oratory), vacanasampaya (qualification of recitation), matisampaya (qualification of developed intellect), payogasampaya (practical experience) and sanghasampaya (experience in inducing people to the monastic fold). Thus the Ganisampaya comprise almost all the qualities that a good leader or administrator should
possess.
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Ganavaccheiya-Ganavaccheiya who came next to Ayariyauvajihaya in position was the head of a part of the Gana.1 Eight years' standing in monkhood and the knowledge of the Sthananga and the Samavaya nga sutras were the necessary qualifications required of this person. But due consideration was shown for those forgetting the texts due to illness or old age.3 Even a learned person was deemed unfit for this post, if he was a liar, deceitful (mai) and sinful. If a person, while holding this post, committed any offence against celibacy" or left the Order, he was debarred from this privilege for the whole life. But a person doing the same after quitting one's office was suspended for three years only.'
Though this officer was expected to live with two other monks in the dry season and with three others in the rainy season, yet he was allowed to stay even outside the monastery for a day or two.10 Thus this person commanded great respect and confidence of all the monks of his Gana.
Besides, Vayaga and Pavatti were two officers who were to look after the affairs of the Church. Vayaga was perhaps an officer who gave reading to newly admitted monks11 and was held on par with the Uvajjhaya in rank. The Pavatti held a position next to the Uvajjhaya,1
As a rule, the Order of nuns whether Jaina or Buddhist was controlled by a monk of unimpeachable morality. Though Arya Candana is stated as the head of nuns forming the following of
1. desoasyastiti ganavacchedakaḥ. Comm. to Than, p 245a; Schubring, Doctrines of the Jainas, p. 254.
2.
Vav, 3.7.
3. Ibid, 5.17-18.
4. Ibid, 3.24.
5. Ibid, 3.14.
6. Ibid, 3.19.
7. Ibid, 3.14; 3.20.
8. Ibid, 4.3-4.
9. Ibid, 4.7-8.
10. Ibid, 6.3.
11. Cf. Vāyaṇayariya-Vau, 10.11-12. 12. Paiasaddamahannavo, p. 944.
13. Brhk, 4.15.