Jainism in Buddhist Literature

SR No.: 011023
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar
Publisher: Alok Prakashan
Publication Year: 1972
Total Pages: 326
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 12 MB

Page 131

( 112 )
Here Sanghi, Gani, and Ganacariyo indicate the stages of gradual development in Jaina hierarchy. The Sadhu or Nigantha is mentioned as the ordinary category of monks. Such monks (seha or antevasin) are of four types in Jaina literature, and their main duties are to practise the monastic conduct and study. Acarya is superior to Upadhyaya and is supposed to be head of a small group of monks. The Avasyakaniryukli mentions the qualities of a Acarya viz. that he should possess the five-fold conduct (acāra) knowledge (jñāna), faith (darsana), good behaviour (curitra), penance (tapa ), and fortitude (virya ). Gani, a head of a gana, is separated from Acarya, but his duties are not much different. He is said to be equipped with eightfold gaṇisam pada, viz. Acāra, Śruta, Sarira, Vacana, Mati, Prayoga, and Sangraha.58 Gaṇadhara is a chief disciple of Tirthankar. The Tirthankara karma is obtained by meditation of Darsanaviśuddhi (purity or right belief), Vinayasampannata (reverence for means of liberation and for those who follows them). Silavrates vanaticura ( faultless observance of the five vows, and faultless sul dual of the passions), Abhikṣnajñānopayoga ( ceaseless pursuit of right knowledge), Samvega (perpetual apprehension of mundane miseries), Saktitastyuga (giving up according to one's capacity) Sadhusamadhi (protecting and reassuring the saints or removing their troubles ), Vaiyuvṛttyakarana (serving the meritorious), Arhadbhakti ( devotion to arhats or omniscients), Acuryabhakti ( devotion to Acaryas), Bahusrutabhakti ( devotion to Upadhyaya), Pravacanabhakti (devotion to scripture ), Arasyakaparihuni (not neglecting one's duties), Märgaprabhāvana (propagation of the path of liberation), and Pravacanavatsalatva (tender affection for one's brothers on the path of liberation),59
Church Units
The monks were grouped in various Units under their respective Heads. The whole congregation of monks, nuns, laymen, and lay-women is called Sangh. Gana, Kula, and Gaccha were the main Units, Nigantha Nataputta is