Acharya means the respected spiritual mentor or teacher who leads a Jain monastic community.
In Jainism, an Acharya is the head of a monastic order (samudaya) and has the authority to ordain new monks and nuns, supervise the rules (samayik, pratikraman, etc.), and guide the community in doctrine and conduct.
The role emphasizes spiritual leadership, discipline, and the preservation and teaching of Jain scriptures and ethics.
There can be small differences in emphasis between Digambar and Śvētāmbara traditions, but both use the term to denote the senior preceptor who directs the order.
In everyday usage, an Acharya is seen as a teacher who helps others progress on the path of renunciation, non-violence, truth, and self-purification.
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