Pañca-Parameṣṭhi Explained

The in Jainism is a fivefold hierarchy of religious authorities worthy of veneration.^{[1] [2]}

Overview

The five supreme beings are:

1. Arihant

The awakened souls who have attained kevala jnana are considered as Arihants. The 24 tirthankaras or Jinas, the legendary founding figures of Jainism in the present time cycle, are Arihants. All tirthankaras are Arihants, but not all Arihants are tirthankaras.^[2]

1. Siddha (Ashiri): The souls which have been liberated from the birth and death cycle.
2. Acarya
3. Upadhyaya ("Preceptors")
4. Muni or Jain monks

The five initials, viz. A+A+A+U+M are taken as forming the Aum syllable.^[1]

Five supreme beings

The Dravyasaṃgraha, a major Jain text, succinctly characterizes the five Supreme Beings (Pañca-Parameṣṭhi).

1. Definition of the World Teacher (Arhat) - verse 50.
2. Definition of the liberated souls (Siddha) - verses 51.
3. Definition of the Chief Preceptor (Acarya) - verse 52.
4. Definition of the Preceptor (Upadhyaya) - verse 53.
5. Definition of the Ascetic (Sadhu) - verse 54.

Arihant

See also

• Namokar Mantra
• Paramita
• Jainism

Notes and References

1. Book: Jaini, Padmanabh S.. The Jaina Path Of Purification. Motilal Banarsidass. 9788120815780. 10 December 2012. 163. 1998.
2. Book: Shah, Natubhai. Jainism: The World of Conquerors, Volume 1. Sussex Academic Press. 9781898723301. 14 December 2012. 174. 1998.