In Jain Dharma, a monk or head monk should respond with dharma, compassion, and proper guidance.

If a disciple is sincerely following diksha life and only needs support, then ideally the senior monk should:

• listen with patience,
• give spiritual and practical guidance,
• protect the disciple from falling into discouragement,
• and help according to the rules of the sangh and the tradition.

But a monk’s life is also governed by strict discipline. So if the head monk feels that:

• the disciple is not fit for monastic life,
• the discipline is weakening,
• the situation is causing disturbance in the sangh,
• or support cannot be given within the monastic rules,

then he may decide that the disciple should return home.

Still, in Jain thought, this should never be done harshly or carelessly. It should be done with:

• mercy,
• truthfulness,
• restraint,
• and concern for the disciple’s spiritual welfare.

So the main Jain principle is:

Support the sincere disciple as much as possible; if release is necessary, do it without cruelty or ego.

A head monk should not deny care just out of irritation or indifference. He should act in a way that protects both the disciple’s soul and the purity of the monastic path.