Aryikao Ki Achar Paddhati

This document summarizes the "Aryikao ki Achar Paddhati" (Conduct Rules for Aryikas) by Prof. (Dr.) Phoolchandra Jain. It outlines the practices and status of Aryikas, ordained nuns in the Digambara Jain tradition.

Key Points:

• Status of Aryikas: Aryikas hold the second position in the Chaturvidha Sangha (four-fold community: monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen). While Shvetambara tradition uses "Shramani" or "Sadhvi," Digambara tradition uses "Aryika" for nuns who follow the Panch Mahavratas (five great vows) with specific observances.
• Historical Context: Lord Mahavir initiated the ordination of women as Aryikas, recognizing their need for respect and spiritual upliftment in a society where they were often marginalized. This is seen as having influenced other traditions, like Buddhism, to accept female disciples.
• Conduct and Observances: While the detailed ethical conduct of monks is extensively documented in Jain literature, Aryikas' conduct is often described in parallel or with slight modifications due to physiological differences.
  • Exceptions to Monastic Practices: Aryikas are generally not expected to follow practices like dwelling under trees during the rainy season (vrikshamool yoga), meditating in intense sun (aatapana yoga), meditating in open sky during winter or facing the sun in summer (abhraavakash), or absolute nudity (achelakatva). These are considered unsuitable for their physical nature.
  • Partial Observance of Vows: Aryikas are considered holders of Moolagunas (fundamental vows) through treatment. They are not considered capable of achieving moksha (liberation) in the same lifetime as men due to these differences.
  • Dress Code: Aryikas wear simple, white, unadorned garments. They are not permitted to wear colorful clothing or engage in beautification. They wear one sari, and while eating, use a white sari as a mat.
  • Daily Routine: Aryikas are diligent in their studies, contemplation, penance, and discipline. They do not engage in activities that cause harm to living beings (prārambha).
• Vespers (Vastika): Aryikas should reside in places free from the mixing of lay people, criminals, animals, and uninhibited individuals. Their residence should be pure, accessible, and free from the proximity of monks or ignorant people. They should not stay in public places, Dharmashalas, or road junctions. They should reside together in groups of two, three, or more.
• Interactions with Monks: Interactions between Aryikas and monks are strictly regulated.
  • No Solitary Interaction: Monks are forbidden from interacting alone with Aryikas, even for conversations.
  • Group Interaction for Study: Aryikas can approach monks in groups for religious studies or clarification of doubts, but never alone.
  • Monks in Aryika Residences: Monks are prohibited from entering or staying in Aryikas' residences, even for short periods, to avoid public criticism and lapses in their vows.
• Role of Ganthara (Preceptors): To guide Aryikas in their studies and rituals like pratikramana (confession), a specific type of monk known as a ganthara (preceptor) is designated. This ganthara should possess qualities like affection for dharma, steadfastness, detachment, purity, the ability to gather disciples, and deep knowledge of scriptures.
• Respect and Hierarchy: A monk initiated even a hundred years after an Aryika is considered senior and worthy of respect by the Aryika. Aryikas show deference to monks through specific salutations from a distance.
• Prohibited Activities: Aryikas are forbidden from engaging in household chores, sewing, knitting, embroidery, oil massages, and other activities considered worldly. They also do not perform actions involving the intentional harm of living beings, such as those related to agriculture, trade, or crafts.
• Svetambara Comparisons: The text briefly mentions that Shvetambara Sadhvis are permitted to wear up to four garments, but these must be white. It also notes that Shvetambara tradition allows women to attain moksha, unlike the Digambara perspective where they are not considered capable of achieving moksha in the same lifetime. Buddhist tradition also states that women cannot become Buddhas.

In essence, the book provides a detailed account of the disciplined life of Aryikas within the Digambara Jain tradition, emphasizing their unique observances, their place within the spiritual hierarchy, and the strict regulations governing their interactions with monks to maintain the purity and integrity of the Sangha.