आप्र का लक्षण
By आचार्य समन्तभद्र, आचार्य प्रभाचन्द्र
Summary
The text defines the concept of an "Āpta" (a trustworthy or authoritative being) based on the Ratnakaraṇḍa Śrāvakācāra with commentary by Ācārya Samantabhadra and further explanation by Ācārya Prabhācandra. An Āpta is described as one who has completely destroyed all physical defects, such as hunger and thirst, and all internal faults, such as attachment and aversion. Such a being possesses omniscience, knowing all substances along with their specific characteristics clearly and comprehensively. Additionally, an Āpta is the master of the Āgama (scripture), meaning that the Gaṇadharas compose the twelve-limbed Āgama after hearing his divine sound. He is the original proponent of the Āgama, which instructs worthy souls about what is to be abandoned (heya) and what is to be adopted (upādeya). The text emphasizes that only such a person—one who is omniscient, free from passions, and a beneficent teacher—can be considered a true Āpta or divine being. It asserts that without these qualities, one cannot be regarded as Āpta. The commentary underscores that this state is necessarily achieved through the complete eradication of defects and the attainment of perfect knowledge, and it cannot be otherwise. Thus, the Āpta is characterized by the triad of omniscience, passionlessness, and the ability to provide beneficial guidance through scripture.
Conclusion
This document establishes that true authority (āpta) is defined by the convergence of three inseparable qualities: the complete destruction of all inner and outer defects (vītarāga), omniscient knowledge of all substances and their modes (sarvajña), and the capacity to be the original source of scripture (āgameśin) that guides worthy souls toward what is to be abandoned and what is to be adopted. The implication is that any claim to spiritual authority lacking these three attributes is invalid by definition. The outcome for the reader is a clear, non-negotiable criterion for discerning genuine teachers from false ones. This framework protects the integrity of the tradition by ensuring that only a being who has eliminated all passions, possesses perfect knowledge, and directly originates the sacred teachings can be accepted as an authoritative guide, thereby preventing the misdirection of spiritual seekers.