（Skt. a^ca^rya; Pali a^cariya）（1） Originally in India， simply a term meaning "teacher." （2） In Indian Buddhism， a teacher， master， or preceptor， translated into Chinese as . An eminent monk who guides his students in conduct and sets an example. There are several types: （a） A monk-a^ca^rya， who performs ordination ceremonies. （b） A master a^ca^rya， who serves as an exemplar of practice and behavior. （c） A karma-a^ca^rya， who gives instruction in ritual to novices. （d） A scripture-a^ca^rya， who teaches scriptures. （3） The name of a formal rank in the Japanese priesthood， especially in the Tendai and Shingon schools.