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In Indian religions and society, an acharya (IAST: ācārya) is a preceptor or instructor in religious matters; founder, or leader of a sect; or a highly learned person or a title affixed to the names of learned people.^[1] The designation has different meanings in Hinduism, Buddhism and secular contexts. It is also a Vishwabrahmin/brahmin surname found in Nepal and across India, including Odisha, Karnataka, West Bengal and Maharashtra.^{[citation needed]}

Acharya is sometimes used to address a teacher or a scholar in any discipline, e.g.: Bhaskaracharya, the mathematician.

Etymology

The term "acharya" is most often said to include the root "char" or "charya" (conduct). Thus it literally connotes "one who teaches by conduct (example)", i.e. an exemplar.^{[citation needed]}

In Hinduism

In Hinduism, an acharya (आचार्य) is a formal title of a teacher or guru, who has attained a degree in Veda and Vedanga.^{[2][full citation needed]}

Prominent acharyas in the Hindu tradition are as given below :

• 
  Adi Sankaracharya^[3]


• 
  Ramanujacharya^[4]


• 
  Madhvacharya^[5]


• 
  Nimbarkacharya^{[6][citation needed]}


• Vallabhacharya

• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

• Acharya Sandipani


• Bhadreshdas Swami

Buddhism

In Buddhism, acharya is a senior teacher. Notable acharyas:

• 
  Pema Chödrön (b. 1936) acharya at Gampo Abbey^[7]

In Jainism

Image of Āchārya Kundakunda, author of Jain texts like Pancastikayasara, Niyamasara

In Jainism, an acharya is the highest leader of a Jain order. Acharya is one of the Pañca-Parameṣṭhi (five supreme beings) and thus worthy of worship. They are the final authority in the monastic order and has the authority to ordain new monks and nuns. They are also authorized to consecrate new idols, although this authority is sometimes delegated to scholars designated by them.

An acharya, like any other Jain monk, is expected to wander except for the Chaturmas. Bhaṭṭārakas, who head institutions, are technically junior monks, and thus permitted to stay in the same place.

In scientific/mathematical scholarship

• Bhaskaracharya


• Mahaviracharya


• Bhaskaracharya I

Acharya (degree)

In Sanskrit institutions, acharya is a post-graduate degree.^[8]

See also

• A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada


• Srikanta Acharya

References

External links

• [2]


• Scriptural References to 'acarya'


• 
  Jain Monks, Statesmen and Aryikas Dr. K. C. Jain