Who is an Acharya?

The one who possesses the sheer power to transform not only an individual but the whole world is a teacher. A teacher who is responsible for the job and serves the world with utmost passion can convert the hearts of the population into one good soul. As per the classical language of South Asian people and the sacred language of the Hindus, the Sanskrit, a teacher or an instructor is named Acharya. According to various religions, the accurate reference shows variations. He, who is termed Acharya, is considered the one who is well-known in the philosophies particular to the religion.

Acharya – Instructor 

Acharya is a Sanskrit (sacred language of Hinduism) word that refers to a teacher. The instructor who moulds the behaviour of humans is referred to as an Acharya. An Acharya is supposed to be endowed with the following qualities:

1. An Acharya is well-studied and well-taught with his heart and soul about the preachings of his religion, which sums up the purpose of the existence of humans and how they should behave or correlate with other organisms and parts of the world. 
2. Acharya teaches good conduct and good morals to his students. 
3. The male teacher is called Acharya, and the female is called Acharya. 
4. The spouse of the Acharya is called Acharyani.

Acharya in different religions 

An Acharya is referred to differently in different religions. But their ultimate view is all the same. The religions where the concept of Acharya has gained prominence are:

• Hinduism
• Buddhism
• Jainism

Important principles of the religions that describe and portray an Acharya 

Hinduism

• Hinduism has its origin from the very olden days of life on earth. 
• It is one of the oldest religions on earth.
• Hinduism functions on two basic philosophies stating that no one is considered superior or inferior. Here, everyone is one. Everyone is family.
• Hindus pray for happiness and prosperity, not for one individual but for all those on the earth. 
• In Hinduism, the term Acharya is entitled to a person who is seated as the guru. In simple terms, a teacher.
• He who is entitled as Acharya has attained a degree in Veda and Vedanga. 
• They are philosophers and theologists who specialise in the elements of the Hindu religion.

Buddhism

• Buddhism was proposed and founded by Buddha, the one who freed himself from human life and human feelings.
• He became a saint and preached happiness and the reality of life. 
• Buddhism functions on the following principles or beliefs:

1. The universal truths 
2. The noble truths 
3. The noble path of eightfold

• In Pali, which is the sacred language of Theravada Buddhism, Acharya refers to the teacher or master who is a senior.
• In Buddhism, monks are well-versed with the ten Vassas that are observed by Theravada practitioners.
• Whereas, in Thai, the professors or teachers are entitled to Ajahn and Ajari in Japanese.

Jainism 

• In Jainism, the followers do not worship any Gods. 
• They rather believe in the existence of Divine power.
• They indeed go as a Self-help religion.
• They follow the concept of ‘Three Jewels’.
• The three jewels of Jainism are the concept of right belief, knowledge and conduct.
• They believe in non-violence and harmlessness towards life on earth as the path to enlightenment.
• According to Jainism, Acharya is entitled as the leader of the highest order.
• He is one of the five supreme persons who are worthy of worship.
• They are empowered to devote new idols.
• They are the highest authority of the Jain Dynasty.
• The Acharya has the power to confer monks and nuns.  

Other Meanings

• In mathematics, Acharya refers to the scholar who is an expert in mathematics.
• They excel in mathematics and, at times, in astronomy, too.
• In Sanskrit institutions, persons obtaining a postgraduate degree are referred to as Acharya. 

Whichever religion it may be, the term Acharya generally means the person who is well-versed in the behavioural activities of humans that would lead them on the path of enlightenment or happiness in life. Acharya not only paves a path for himself to be enlightened but also takes his students with him. He solely dedicates his life to preaching and moulding people toward the right path. In all the above-mentioned religions, such as Hinduism, Jainism, or Buddhism, Acharya is the highest domain for the students. 

Conclusion 

Acharya is the person who is responsible for shaping his followers. He is more like a teacher. In different languages such as Sanskrit, Pali, Thai and Japanese, as well as in different religions like Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, Acharya has been entitled to be the Instructor or the Preacher of his followers. 

He is well-learned in the principles of his religion or his group, which ultimately leads to salvation, or in simple terms, to attain the prime purpose of Life. Similar to Acharya, Sankalchand means a great explorer or a companion. An anthropologist who is well-versed in human behaviour is similar to the descriptions of an Acharya.