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Supreme chastity is the last of the ten universal virtues. Just as when a temple is built, a golden canopy is installed on the cupola at its peak; likewise the virtue of celibacy is at the pinnacle of the ten supreme virtues. Stating celibacy as the true nature of the soul, the Acharyas have said:
"Brahmans atmni charti iti brahmcharya"
I.e., One who always remains engrossed in his holy soul only; one who practices celibacy free from transgression; in truth, he alone is a celibate. A monk who avoids company, jokes and foul bodily play with mean persons, renounces ten kind of Abraham -sexual indulgence.
Kinds of Celibates
Q. How many kinds of celibates are there? A. There are five kinds of celibates: (i) Upnaya - Donning the sacred threads (ii) Avalumh - Sub-ordinate or dependent (iii) Adiksha - Non-initiated (iv) Goodh - Fully devoted (v) Naishthik - Dedicated or having perfect faith
Q. (i) Who are called 'upney' (sacred threads donned) celibates?
A. The persons (apostles) who wear on their body the sacred threads in a manner ordained by the holy teachers and study the Jain scriptures, and thereafter observe the vows meant for the house-holders, are called 'God' (sacred threads donned) celibates.
(ii) Who are called avlamb celibates?
A. The persons, who assume the appearance of ascetics; donne clothes ordained for them by the holy teachers; study and follow the Jain scriptures in practical life and thereafter observe the vows meant for the house-holders, are called 'Avalumb' (sub-ordinate or dependent) celibates.
(iii) Who are called 'Adiksha (non-initiated) celibates?
A. The persons who neither assume the appearance nor donne clothes ordained for celibates, but study and follow the Jain scriptures in practical life and thereafter observe the vows meant for the house-holders, are called 'ago' (non-initiated) celibates.
(iv) Who are called 'gurh' (fully devoted) celibates?
A. Persons, who get initiated to monkshood in adolescence, study and follow Jain scriptures. But on the insistence of their kith and kin, or being incapable in bearing severe
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