“Few words, deep meaning” — that’s the essence of a sutra.
A single visual, yet infinite knowledge and joy. Gagar ma Sagar — an ocean in a droplet.
This episode is about Samachari — the flexibility within Jain tradition guided by time, place, soul, and context.
🧘♂️ The Story of Acharya Swayambhavaswami and His Son
After Lord Mahavira’s liberation, Sudharmaswami succeeded him, followed by Jambuswami. After Jambuswami’s nirvana, his disciple Prabhavaswami took over. When Prabhavaswami passed, Acharya Swayambhavaswami became the next leader of the Jain order.
One day, while observing the Irya Samiti (careful walking), Swayambhavaswami was met on the road by a young boy. The boy was searching for his father who had become a monk, and asked the Acharya if he knew him. After learning the name and lineage, Acharya realized: This was his own son.
When he had taken diksha, his wife had been pregnant. Without revealing the truth to anyone, he told the child he knew his father and promised to reunite him.
📚 The Birth of the Dashvaikalik Sutra
Acharya Swayambhavaswami was a Shrutkevali — a master of the full Jain canon. Recognizing the boy’s high spiritual potential and previous-life virtues, he initiated him into monkhood and named him Mankamuni.
Upon observing that Mankamuni had only six months of life left, the Acharya faced a challenge: how to bestow lifetimes worth of spiritual guidance in that short time?
He created a condensed scripture from the vast Jain teachings, focusing on the essence of monk conduct: the Dashvaikalik Sutra. Through this scripture, Mankamuni attained self-realization and was reborn in the heavenly realms (Devlok) — all within six months.
Only his chief disciple, Yashobhadra, noticed the rare emotional expression on the Acharya’s face and inquired. Swayambhavaswami then revealed: Mankamuni was my son.
Yashobhadra, in awe, requested that the Dashvaikalik Sutra be made available to the entire monastic order. From that day, the Dashvaikalik Sutra became an essential part of major initiations.
🧩 What Is Samachari?
The adjustment of conduct according to Dravya (substance), Kshetra (place), Kaal (time), and Bhav (intention/mental state) is called Samachari.
Acharyas adapt practices based on:
- The seeker’s capacity (dravya)
- The age or era (we are in the fifth era, the age of conflict)
- Time constraints (short lifespan or youth)
- Mental and karmic disposition
For example, Acharya Swayambhavaswami created Dashvaikalik to match Mankamuni’s situation. This is a prime example of Samachari.
📜 Scriptural Evolution and Modern Practice
- Earlier scriptures like Achaarang Sutra were standard, but now Dashvaikalik Sutra is central for new initiates.
- Only Acharyas can enact changes, which is called Samachari.
- Over time, scriptures went from 60 to fewer, and each Jain sect follows a different collection of Agams based on its Acharyas’ guidance.
For example:
- Sthanakvasi include 32 Agams
- Murti Pujak include 45 Agams, plus other texts
- Digambar traditions trace teachings back to Simandhar Swami and Acharya Kundkund
🔍 Examples of Samachari in Practice
- Rajoharan (soft brush):
Used differently across sects — names, forms, and usage vary. - Muhapatti (mouth covering):
All sects use it, but differ in size, method (hand-held or tied), tight or loose — all based on Samachari set by their Acharyas. - Duration of rituals (like Samayik):
Scripturally undefined, but fixed at 48 minutes in Samachari. Why? So practitioners don’t shorten it to 10–15 minutes.- Three-hour Samayik is ideal (one prahar) for true steadiness, but for practical reasons, 48 minutes is prescribed.
These protocols exist because in this Dusam Kaal (age of decline), intellect and discipline are weakened. To maintain order and prevent confusion, clear and fixed practices are necessary.
🧾 Conclusion: What Is Samachari?
Samachari refers to the practical adjustments Acharyas make in religious conduct, based on the context of time, place, soul, and spiritual ability — just as state governments adjust laws while respecting central authority.
Though scriptures provide rules, Acharyas are empowered to guide their disciples through flexible application — and that is Samachari.
By understanding and respecting Samachari, we don’t dilute our tradition — we preserve its spirit for every generation.