Acharya Pad Ki Mahatta - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Acharya Pad ki Mahatta" (The Significance of the Acharya's Position) in English:

This article, "Acharya Pad ki Mahatta" by Hastimal Gollecha and Sharmila Khimvesara, published in Jinwani, emphasizes the profound importance and virtues of the Acharya within the Jain tradition. The authors draw extensively from Jain scriptures (Agamas) to illustrate the pivotal role of Acharyas.

Key Points:

Representatives of Tirthankaras: Acharyas are described as representatives of the Tirthankaras. They are endowed with 36 virtues and possess eight types of prosperity (sampada).
Protectors and Guides: They act as a protective shield for ascetics who have not yet attained full realization (agitasartha sadhus) and impart four types of discipline (vinaya) to their disciples.
Scriptural Authority: The glory of Acharyas is sung in the Agamas. Disrespect or violation of discipline towards an Acharya leads the disciple astray and to suffering.
Analogy of the Lamp: Aptly quoting Acharya Bhadrabahu, the article compares Acharyas to a lamp that, while illuminated itself, also illuminates others and can ignite thousands of other lamps.
Preservation of Jain Dharma: Since the time of Arya Sudharma, the first successor to Lord Mahavir, a lineage of ascetic Acharyas has preserved and propagated the five great vows (Panch Mahavrata) through study, teaching, discourse, exposition, and deep contemplation. This has allowed the welfare-oriented Jain dharma to remain intact and practiced even in the current era (Pancham Kal).
First Acharya: Arya Sudharma: Lord Mahavir appointed Arya Sudharma as the first head of the Gan (congregation) due to his long life, understanding that he would ensure the continuity of the teachings. This was because, while Lord Mahavir knew that other Ganadharas would attain Kevala Jnana and Moksha within his lifetime or shortly after, Arya Sudharma, being a knower of 14 Purvas but not a Kevali at that time, could accurately transmit Lord Mahavir's words as "Thus have I heard from the Lord."
The Role of Ganadharas and Acharyas: Tirthankaras deliver the divine speech, and the wise Ganadharas condense it into structured Sutras, forming the Agamas. The continuation of this scriptural tradition is ensured by the Acharyas, who pass down the teachings with the phrase, "I have heard from the Lord."
Scriptural Endorsements: Various scriptures are cited to highlight the Acharya's significance:
- Vyakhya Prajnapti Sutra: States that Acharyas and Upadhyayas can attain liberation within one, two, or at most three lifetimes through their diligent work.
- Shravak Avashyak Sutra: Shows reverence to the Acharya by bowing to them after bowing to the Tirthankara.
- Antakriddasha Sutra: Gautam refers to Lord Mahavir as his Acharya and religious preceptor.
- Dashavaikalik Sutra: States that disciples who serve and obey Acharyas and Upadhyayas grow in knowledge like plants watered with water.
- Acharangasutra: Describes Acharyas as great sages who have controlled their mind, speech, and body, are restrained in their senses, knowledgeable in Agamas, and detached from worldly activities, striving for liberation.
- Rayappaseyaniya Sutra & Upavadiyas Sutra: Mention rulers like King Pradesh and Kounik paying respects to Acharyas. Ambada's 700 disciples also honored their Acharya.
Eightfold Prosperity of Acharyas (Ganisampada): Based on Dashashrutaskandha and Sthananga Sutra, these are:
1. Acharasampada (Virtue): Pure conduct leads to the prosperity of asceticism.
2. Shrutasampada (Scriptural Knowledge): Being well-versed in scriptures is essential for guiding others.
3. Sharirasampada (Physical Well-being): Good health supports the propagation of dharma.
4. Vachanasampada (Speech): Acharyas should speak acceptable, sweet, scripturally sound, clear, and impartial words.
5. Vachan-asampada (Teaching Ability): Preparing knowledgeable disciples through proper teaching is a virtue.
6. Matisampada (Intellect): Possessing four types of intellect (natural, disciplinary, practical, and consequential).
7. Prayogasampada (Argumentative Skill): Eloquence and intelligence in debates.
8. Sangraha Parijnana Sampada (Organizational Skill): Expertise in managing the monastic community, maintaining discipline, study, and conduct.
Acharya as a Shield for the Uninitiated Ascetic: Behavior Sutra prohibits solitary living for uninitiated ascetics; they should remain under an Acharya. Acharangasutra highlights that Acharyas protect such ascetics from the fear of other-sectarians, similar to how adult birds protect young birds.
Acharya as a Provider of Vinaya (Discipline): The Dashashrutaskandha outlines four types of discipline imparted by Acharyas:
1. Achara Vinaya: Teaching great vows, restraint, guidelines, penance, and solitary living.
2. Shruta Vinaya: Providing correct interpretations of scriptures to make disciples highly learned.
3. Vikshepana Vinaya: Teaching true asceticism and steadfastness.
4. Dosha Nirghatana Vinaya: Removing faults that arise within the disciple community.
Acharya as a Ferryman (Tinnanam Tarayanam): In the present era, Acharyas themselves cross the ocean of existence and help others to do so. They are likened to a reservoir that nourishes numerous aquatic creatures, giving and receiving knowledge and conduct. They are both liberated and liberators.
The 36 Virtues of an Acharya: These encompass qualities like noble birth, lineage, strength, beauty, discipline, knowledge, pure faith, pure conduct, modesty, efficiency, vigor, brilliance, victory over anger, ego, greed, delusion, fear of death, and conquest of praise, blame, and hardships. They also include adherence to vows, actions, conduct, control, knowledge, mantras, truth, etc.
Disciples' Duties towards Acharyas: Disciples have four main duties:
1. Upakarana Utpadanata: Providing and maintaining essential supplies.
2. Sahillnata: Being helpful and speaking beneficial words.
3. Varna Sanjlanata: Praising the virtues of Acharyas and refuting detractors.
4. Bhara Pratyarohana: Assisting in the Acharya's duties, such as propagating dharma and guiding disciples.
Consequences of Disrespecting Acharyas: The Uttaradhyayana Sutra warns that disrespecting Acharyas leads to loss of one's own spiritual progress, a descent into delusion, and rebirth in various lower forms of life. It also results in the loss of self-control and the attainment of enlightenment. The article emphasizes that disrespecting the Acharya means not attaining right faith and ultimately not achieving liberation.
Endurance of Jainism: The teachings of Lord Mahavir will continue to flourish through the efforts of these Acharyas until the very end of the current era. Even at the end of this era, a few devoted souls will remain, who will be eternally indebted to the Acharyas for guiding them towards spiritual liberation.

In essence, the article glorifies the position of the Acharya, highlighting their role as the torchbearers of Jain teachings, protectors of the monastic order, exemplars of virtuous conduct, and the indispensable guides on the path to spiritual emancipation. Their wisdom, discipline, and exemplary life are crucial for the perpetuation and practice of Jain dharma.