Jain Monasticism - Monastic Ranks

Monastic Ranks

Full munis in both the Svetambara and Digambara traditions are assigned to different ranks as mentioned in the Namokar Mantra:

  • Acharya: leader of the order
  • Upajjhaya: a learned monk, who both teaches and studies himself
  • Muni: an ordinary ascetic

In the Digambara traditions, a junior monk can have several ranks:

  • Ailak: uses one piece of cloth
  • Kshullak: uses two pieces of cloth
  • Aryika: all women ascetics wear clothing

The Terapanthi sect of the Svetambara has a new rank of junior monks, samana.

Read more about this topic:  Jain Monasticism

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