Conferring A Title
The Jain monks, after being initiated that is, after receiving the diksha become immersed in such activities as meditation, seeking knowledge, acquiring self-discipline etc. Proceeding on the path of spiritual endeavor, when they reach a higher level of attainment, their spiritual elders, for the preservation of the four-fold Jain Sangh, confer upon them some special titles.
The title of Acharya: This title is considered to be very high and involves a great responsibility. The entire responsibility of the Jain Sangh rests on the shoulders of the acharya. Before attaining this title, one has to make an in-depth study and a thorough exploration of the Jain Agams and attain mastery of them. One must also study the various languages of the surrounding territory and have acquired a through knowledge of all the philosophies of the world related to different ideologies and religions.
The title of Upadhyay: This title is given to a monk who teaches all the ascetics, and has acquired a specialized knowledge of the Agams (Scriptures).
The title of Panyas and Gani: To secure this title, one should have acquired an in-depth knowledge of all the Jain agams. To attain the status of Ganipad one should have a knowledge of the Bhagawati Sutra and to attain the Panyas-pad one should have attained a comprehensive knowledge of all the aspects of the agams.
The Jain monks, on account of the mode of their life, are unique among all the monks. The entire life of ascetics is dedicated to spiritual welfare of their souls; all their objectives, and all their activities are directed towards elevating their souls to the Paramatma-dasha, the state of the Supreme Soul.
Above description is related to Svetambar Monks.
Main concept of renunciation is same in both Svetambar and Digambar sectss. But there are some differences in what they keep and how they take Gochari/Ahar. Digambar Monks do not wear any cloths. Elak waers one cloth. Khulak wears two clothes. Digambar Nuns wear white clothes. All of them keep keep Morpichhi and Kamandal. All of them eat once a day from "Choka". These chokas are arranged by householders and they invite Monks and nuns to accept the food from there. Digambar monks and elaks eat standing up and in their hands. Khulaks eat in one utensil. Nuns eat in their hand or in utensil.
Read more about this topic: Jain Monasticism
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