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SVASTI -Essays in Honour of Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah
5. Viryacara- observance relating to energy, i.e. giving full scope to one's
inherent power so that the first four Acaras may be practised. Acaryas are the ones who have disconnected bondage with family and the world and have become Munis. They pursue the path of liberation which has been expounded by Arihantas. They guide the laymen in organizing their conduct in such a way that it can lead to liberation. After mastering Agamas and attaining certain merits, they attain the status of Acarya through their teacher. After becoming Acarya they preach to the world.
Acaryas possess virtues: 5 controls, i.e. control over the 5 senses. 9 restraints related to celibacy (Brahmacarya). 4 Discarding of 4 passions, viz. pride, anger, attachment, greed 5 Mahavratas (great vows): non-violence, truth, celibacy, non-possession, nonstealing. 5 Acaras- Jnana darshana, caritra, tapa and virya 5 Samitis (Limits or Carefulness): 1. walking; 2. speaking; 3. collecting alms; 4. lifting up things; 5. careful disposal of body dirt like urine, cough etc. 3 Guptis- restraint or control over 3 types of activities i.e. of body, mind and speech. This results in suppression of inflow of new Karmas.
D) Upadhyayas- (the Preceptors) They form the fourth group of Panca Parameshthis. They are the instructors who are experts in teaching scriptures. They study Jaina scriptures with the guidance of spiritual heads (Acarya) and they attain the stage of Upadhyayas after becoming capable of teaching the doctrine of Jainism. These preceptors represent spiritual knowledge. They possess perfect knowledge, faith and conduct. From their teachings, a person can know his duties and regulate himself by practicing what is desirable. Their place is high among Jain sages as they directly encourage practice of religion by continually preaching the principles of religion.
Upadhyayas posses 25 Virtues: Knowledge of 11 Angas and knowledge of 14 Purvas (important Purvas are lost). Upadhayas represent spiritual knowledge and they enlighten the people wandering in this world in the cycle of Birth and Death. The difference between Acarya and Upadhayaya is that Upadhyaya is expert in scriptural doctrines which he teaches and gives instructions about Dharma while the Acarya can issue a commandment of Dharma.
E) Sadhus- (Sages-Monks) A Sadhu is a good, righteous ascetic -a saint or a monk. Sadhus are the Parameshthis of the fifth group in descending order. Sadhus include Acaryas and Upadhyayas. They have discarded worldly life, which is full of infatuation and deception and they
