can nuns become acharya in svetambara
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In the Śvetāmbara tradition:
- By normal tradition and practice:
- For nuns (sādhvījī):
- Rare / exceptional cases:
So, simple answer:
- Scripturally, women in Śvetāmbara can progress spiritually fully (up to moksha).
- In actual monastic hierarchy, nuns normally do not become Āchārya; instead they become very senior leaders with other titles.
- A nun being formally called “Āchāryā” is possible but rare and controversial, not the usual Śvetāmbara system.
You can read a related explanation about female Āchāryas here