Titthayarasamo Suri Acharyapad No Adarsh - Book Summary

This document, titled "Titthayarasamo Suri - Acharyapad no Adarsh" (The Ideal of the Acharya Post, like the Sun of the Tirth), authored by Ramanlal C. Shah, delves into the profound significance and ideal qualities of an Acharya within Jainism. It emphasizes the pivotal role of an Acharya, especially in the absence of Tirthankaras and Kevalis.

Here's a comprehensive summary:

1. The Paramount Importance of the Acharya:

The Navkar Mantra, recited daily, includes "Namo Ayariyanam," signifying reverence for Acharyas.
In the current era, after the Mahaparinirvana of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami, Arhants and Siddhas are perceptible only indirectly. Therefore, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus are the direct manifestations of the Five Supreme Beings (Panch Parmeshthi).
Among these, the Acharya holds the supreme position.
Tirthankar-like Role: In the absence of Tirthankaras, Acharyas carry the burden of guiding the Jain faith. Due to their adherence to the Tirthankaras' commandments, they are considered akin to Tirthankaras. The text quotes scripture: "Suri, who illuminates the Jin path and doctrine, is like a Tirthankara."

2. The Acharya as a Light in Darkness:

The Acharya is metaphorically compared to a lamp illuminating the path to liberation when the "sun" of Tirthankaras and the "moon" of Kevalis have set.
Just as a lamp dispels darkness and prevents stumbling, Acharyas guide beings through the spiritual path.
An Acharya is like a lamp that ignites numerous other lamps, signifying their ability to propagate spiritual knowledge and enlightenment.

3. The Ideal Qualities and Definitions of an Acharya:

The selection of an Acharya requires the highest standards, not merely age or seniority in initiation.
Definitions from Scripture:
- Abhaydev Suri: Acharyas are those who practice and illuminate the five types of conduct (Panchvidh Achar) and demonstrate these practices.
- Other definitions: Those who act within boundaries, those who act according to the rules of conduct, those who practice the Panchachar (five types of conduct) and cause others to practice them, and those who bring joy through conduct and whose teachings lead to liberation.
- Knowledge and Practice: They uphold and propagate the fivefold conduct (Jnana-achar, Darshan-achar, Charitra-achar, Tapa-achar, Virya-achar).
- Service: Those who are served by those seeking well-being.
- Abhaydev Suri (reinterpreted): Acharyas are those who control the "spies" (Sadhus) who protect the Jain faith, adept at discerning the appropriate and inappropriate for the observance of asceticism.
Thirty-Six Qualities (Chhatriś Chhatrisi): The text extensively details the 36 qualities of an Acharya, drawing from various scriptures like Avashyak Sutra, Panchindriya Sutra, and Ratnashekhar Suri. These qualities are broadly categorized:
- From Panchindriya Sutra: Mastery over five senses (5), observance of ninefold chastity (9), freedom from four passions (4), adherence to five great vows (5), observance of fivefold conduct (5), mastery of five controls (samiti) (5), and three restraints (gupti) (3).
- From Ratnashekhar Suri: Fourteen types of personal attributes (pratirupa), ten virtues (kshama, mardava, etc.), and twelve contemplations (bhavanas).
- From Dasha Shrutaskandha: Eight types of congregational wealth (ganisampada), each with four aspects, totaling 32, plus four types of humility (vinaya), making 36.
  - Eight types of congregational wealth: Conduct, knowledge, physical attributes, speech, reading, intellect, application, and collection/management.
  - Four types of humility: Conduct-based, knowledge-based, specialized (preaching and guiding), and fault-rectifying.
Metaphorical Roles: Acharyas are compared to:
- Kings/Emperors: Ruling the kingdom of Jainism.
- Doctors of the Soul (Bhavvaidya): Prescribing the medicine of true knowledge to cure souls afflicted by karmic diseases.
- Navigators: Saving beings from drowning in the ocean of Samsara and showing the way across.

4. The Acharya's Duties and Responsibilities:

Sarana (Reminding): Meticulously reminding disciples of their vows, practices, and daily routines, ensuring no lapse in observance.
Varana (Preventing): Preventing disciples from committing faults, acting hastily, transgressing rules, speaking false doctrines, or engaging in improper conduct.
Choyana (Inspiring): Motivating disciples towards higher spiritual ideals, offering encouragement, and setting an example through their own conduct.
Padichoyana (Re-inspiring): Repeatedly encouraging disciples, especially those whose adherence might waver due to lingering worldly impressions, doing so with affection and gentleness.

5. Types of Acharyas:

While the Acharya's position is supreme, it can also become a source of pride and potential error. Hence, various classifications exist:
- Types based on conduct: Grihasthacharya, Pratishthacharya, Balacharya, Niryapakacharya, Elacharya.
- Types based on expertise: Kalacharya, Shilpacharya, Dharmacharya.
- Types based on the qualities of the Acharya and their disciples (from Sthananga Sutra):
  1. Acharya like a Sal tree (excellent qualities) and disciples also like a Sal tree.
  2. Acharya like a Sal tree, but disciples like an castor oil plant (lacking virtues).
  3. Acharya like a castor oil plant, but disciples like a Sal tree.
  4. Acharya like a castor oil plant, and disciples also like a castor oil plant (lacking virtues).
The text cautions that not all who hold the title of Acharya are virtuous; some may even harm the faith.

6. The Glory of the Acharya's Post:

The text highlights a unique tradition in Jainism where a Guru, upon the appointment of a disciple as an Acharya, descends from their elevated seat and pays respects to their former disciple. This signifies the reverence for the position itself, not just the individual.

7. The Outcome of Honoring the Acharya:

Paying obeisance to an Acharya with sincere devotion can liberate one from thousands of births and lead to the attainment of right faith (Sammyaktva).
Honoring an Acharya eradicates all sins and is considered the third most auspicious act after honoring Arhants and Siddhas.

In essence, this document underscores the vital and multifaceted role of an Acharya in Jainism. It portrays them as the spiritual guides, the custodians of doctrine, and the exemplars of virtuous conduct, whose presence is indispensable for the sustenance and propagation of the Jain faith. The text meticulously details their ideal qualities, duties, and the immense spiritual benefit derived from venerating them.