Religious Preceptor- One of the seven posts in the religious order;
one who himself observes the five types of conduct, viz., conduct qua knowledge, faith, conduct, austerities and spiritual energy; one who imparts practical training in conduct to others; one who is appointed on the post of Guru (2) by his/her Guru (1) himself/herself; one who is well versed with Sūtra (2) (canonical aphorism), meaning (or purport) of Sūtra (2) and both; and one who teaches the meaning (purport) of the Āgamas (2) (canonical works).
paṃcavihaṃ āhāraṃ āyāramāṇāṃ tahā pabhāvaṃtā. ācāraṃ daṃsaṃsatā āyariyā teṇa vuccaṃti...(Ā VaNi 994)
suttatthatadubhayadiguṇasampanno appaṇo gurūhiṃ gurupadetthāvito āyario.(ADaCū p. 219)
'ācāryaḥ' gacchādhipatiḥ.(BṛBhā 4336 Vṛ)
'ācāryāḥ' arthadātāraḥ.(BṛBhā 2780 Vṛ)
- Upādhyāya.