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  • is there something in jain scripture or monastic codes that explicitly states that nuns cannot become acharya
  • author Posted by
    Jain Follower

    is there something in jain scripture or monastic codes that explicitly states that nuns cannot become acharya

    8 months ago 158

    In Jain tradition this is understood differently in Digambar and Shvetambar sanghs, and it is mostly by definition and tradition, not by a one-line “ban” sutra.

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    1. Digambar tradition

    • In Digambar achar‑granths (like Mulācāra etc.), an Āchārya is defined only as a nude muni (Digambar monk) with certain higher qualities and responsibilities.
    • Women in this tradition are Āryikā (clothed female ascetics). Because they are not nude munis, they are not counted as “muni-sadhu” in the technical sense.
    • Since the achar‑texts describe Acharya‑lakshan only for a muni, and the whole monastic hierarchy is built on that, only a muni can become Āchārya.
    • Therefore, in Digambar practice, nuns do not become Āchārya. It is not usually based on a separate explicit line like “nuns cannot be Āchārya,” but on:
    - the definition of a muni, - the definition of an Āchārya (head of munis), - and the separate category given to women (Āryikā).

    So: in Digambar tradition, by achar‑definition and continuous practice, nuns do not become Āchārya.

    ---

    2. Shvetambar tradition

    • Shvetambar Agamas and later Cheda‑sutras describe the qualifications of an Āchārya in terms of a bhikshu/sadhu (monk) – grammatically masculine – who leads other monks and nuns.
    • The same texts place sādhvīs (nuns) under the authority of the Āchārya and other senior monks.
    • In actual tradition across Shvetambar sects, Āchārya has always been selected from among monks, not nuns.

    As far as commonly‑known Shvetambar codes go:

    • There is no widely cited Agamic line explicitly phrased as “a nun cannot be Āchārya.”
    • Instead, the role is defined only for monks, and nuns are given other senior titles (e.g. Mahāshramaṇi, Pramukhā etc.) but not Āchārya.

    So: in Shvetambar tradition too, nuns do not become Āchārya, but this is understood from the way hierarchy and achar are framed, not from a famous single prohibition verse.

    ---

    Summary

    • Digambar: By definition, only a nude muni can be Āchārya → Āryikās (nuns) do not become Āchārya.
    • Shvetambar: Āchārya is described and historically appointed only from monks; nuns are always under an Āchārya and do not receive that title.

    You can see a simple explanation of who can become Āchārya here

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