online support
POSITION – placed on the right side of Arihant as considered a descendent of Arihant
COLOR – symbolised by Golden Yellow colour
Acharya is a head of the Jain congregation. It symbolizes the organizational power, self-control, and discipline. Yellow or orange color represents Acharya. Both Yellow and Orange show wisdom, power to accomplish the goal, and discipline or strong will power in the life.
Yellow stimulates the Solar Plexus and controls the digestive processes in the stomach. It strengthens the nervous system and awakens reasoning facilities. It controls eliminative action on the intestines and liver.
Orange assists in assimilation, distribution, and circulation of body functions. It acts mentally on assimilation of new ideas, relieves repression, and combines physical energy and wisdom. It controls the Manipura Chakra.
NAME – ‘acharya’ in sanskrit means a spiritual teacher who guides ‘acharan’ (meaning: conduct).
VIRTUE – PAD – The message of Jina, Lord Mahavir, the last Tirthankar, is carried by the Ächäryas, the spiritual leaders. While Arihant establishes the Chaturvidha Sangha, it is the Acharya Pada who is instrumental in initiating and motivating the Chaturvidha Sangha in the practice of Jainism.
The responsibility of the spiritual well being of the entire Jain Sangh rests on the shoulders of the Ächäryas. Acharya Pada is the ultimate decision making authority in all the matters related to Sangha in absence of Arihant. The most exalted, noble and leading section of the four-fold Jain Sangh.
He observes and motivates Monks and Nuns for five spiritual conducts Jnyanachara, Darshanachara, Charitrachara, Tapachara and Veeryachara.
Before reaching that state, one has to do an in-depth study and gain mastery over the Ägams, the Holy Scriptures of Jain Dharm. In addition to acquiring a high level of spiritual excellence, they also have the ability to lead the monastic communion. They should also know various languages of the country and have a sound knowledge of other philosophies, ideologies, and religions of the region and of the world.
Acharya has 36 attributes
TATTVA – Guru Tatva
AYAMBIL VIDHI – Ayambil is observed on the Shukla Navami by eating boiled gram only.
