acarya
Acarya is a Sanskrit term that translates to "teacher," "instructor," or "guide" in English. It denotes a person who has achieved a high level of spiritual or intellectual knowledge and is qualified to impart that knowledge to others. The term carries significant weight in Indic traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, where the acarya plays a crucial role in the transmission of religious, philosophical, and ethical teachings.
An acarya is not merely an educator; they are also expected to embody the principles they teach.
In many traditions, the acarya is seen as a spiritual successor, carrying forward a lineage of knowledge