Section in Jain Order : Shwetambar Terapanth (Part 4/4)

Jain > Shwetambar > Terapanthi

• Terapanthi: Terapantha got originated from the Sthanakvasi sect. Acharya Bhikshu (Formerly known as Muni Bhikanji) was formerly a Sthanakwasi saint and had initiation from his Guru, by name Acharya Raghunatha. Acharya Bhikshu had differences with his Guru on several aspects of religious practices of Sthanakwasi ascetics and when these took a serious turn, he founded Terapanth on the full-moon day in the month of Asadha in the year Vikram Samvat 1817, i.e., 1760 A.D.
• Nomenclature of "Terapantha" One day, thirteen Shravakas (lay followers) were performing samayika 13 in a spacious shop in the middle of the market at Jodhpur. Fatechandji, the Divan (the chief minster of Jodhpur-state), passing by the market, saw this strange scene people performing religious rites in a shop! Greatly surprised, he asked the lay followers, "Why are you performing your samayika here in a shop, instead of in a sthanaka?" The Shravakas narrated the whole event of how Muni Bhikhanji had separated from Acharya Raghunathaji. Having heard the explanation and the cause of events, the Divana appreciated Bhikanji's stand. He asked, "How many followers of his new path are there? They replied "Sir! we are thirteen in number." The Divan further inquired about the number of monks supporting Bhikanji. The followers replied, "Monks are also thirteen in number!" The Divan said, "It is a wonderful coincidence that the number of both the monks and the lay followers is thirteen!" 
• At that time, a poet, belonging to the sevaka caste, was standing nearby. He instantly composed a verse 

Sadha sadha ro gilo karai, te to apa aparo mania, Sunajyo re shahar ra loka, ai terapanthi tanta.

• In this way, the new group became popular as 'Terapantha' literally meaning a sect of 13 (monks). When Acharya Bhikshu came to know about this couplet, he interpreted it in a different way. At once, he descended from his seat, sat down in the posture of obeisance, and paying his obeisance to Lord Mahavira, he proclaimed with joy. "O Lord! It is thy (tera) path (panth). I am only a follower of it. 
• Thus Acharya Bhikshu interpreted the Terapantha to mean "the Lord's path" and also bestowed it with deeper religious significance. 

• The Terapanthis are non-idolatrous and are very finely organized under the complete direction of one Acharya, that is, religious head. In its history of little more than 200 years, the Terapantha had a succession of only 9 Acharyas from the founder Acharya Bhikshu as the First Acharya to the present Acharya Tulsi as the 9th Acharya. 
• This practice of regulating the entire Pantha by one Acharya only has become a characteristic feature of the Terapantha and an example for emulation by other Panthas. It is noteworthy that all monks and nuns of the Terapantha scrupulously follow the orders of their Acharya, preach under his guidance and carry out all religious activities in accordance with his instructions.
• Further, the Terapantha regularly observes a remarkable festival known as Maryada Mahotasava. This distinctive festival is celebrated every year on the 7th day of the bright half of the month of Magha when all ascetics and lay disciples, male and female, meet together at one predetermined place and discuss the various problems of Terapanthis.
• The penance of Terapanthis is considered to be very severe. The dress of Terapanthi monks and nuns is akin to that of Sthanakwasi monks and nuns. But there is a difference in the length of muhapatti, i.e., a piece of white cloth kept always on the mouth. The Terapanthis believe that idolatry does not provide deliverance and attach importance to the practice of meditation.
• Further, it may be stressed that the Terapantha is known for its disciplined organization characterized by one Acharya (i.e., religious head), one code of conduct and one line of thought. The Terapanthis are considered reformists as they emphasize simplicity in religion.
• Recently their religious head, Acharya Tulsi, had started the Anuvrata Andolana, that is, the small vow movement. which attempts to utilize the spiritual doctrines of the Jains for moral uplift of the masses in India.
• The activities of learning and studying in Terapantha order are given utmost importance. In the early years, stress was laid on studying the original canonical literature, and many monks and nuns engaged themselves in this activity. 
• Many books in Rajasthani language were written by Acharya Bhikshu and Jayacharya (the fourth Acharya) for the monks and nuns who were the students and that tradition continued for a long time. During the period of Jayacharya, the study of Sanskrit was phased in. 
• Jayacharya himself studied and also made his successor, Maghava, to adopt studies in Sanskrit. Venerable Kalugani (the eighth Acharya) focused his attention on the study of both Prakrit and Sanskrit. 
• Acharya Tulsi (the ninth Acharya) promoted the same tradition with the result that a great number of monks and nuns became proficient in Prakrit and Sanskrit. Later on, in addition to the ancient languages, the ascetics started studying such contemporary languages as Hindi, Gujarati and English. Some of them became experts in "Avadhana" vidya i. e. a technique of extra-ordinary memory. 
• They also started studying Indian and Western Philosophies. In the beginning, the classical form of study for ascetics was in miscelleneous form study of which remained confined to that between the guru and the disciples. However under the leadership of Acharya Tulsi, systematic graded courses with syllabi of several subjects were initiated. The courses were respectively called Yogya (which is equal to Matric), Yogyatara (equivalent to B.A.), and Yogyatama (equivalent to M. A.). Completion of all the there degrees required a minimum of seven years. 
• A Ph.D was awarded to those who wrote an original dissertation. 

• At present, a number of monks and nuns have joined courses in university studies at the Jain Vishva Bharati Institute which is a Deemed University at Ladnun (Rajasthan). However the older courses are also in vogue. 
• The Terapantha order has made important contribution to the field of not only religious literature but also to that of other kinds of books. Acharya Bhikshu himself composed literature about 38,000 verses in Rajasthani language and Jayacharya created a new record by composing three hundred thousand verses. 
• Under the patronage of Acharya Shri Tulsi, the work of producing critical editions of the Jain Agamas was started and many monks and nuns actively engaged in this work.The Terapantha is well-known for its valuable contribution to the field of art and craft. 
• Even foreigners are surprised by seeing the beautiful articles made by the ascetics. The Sangha has excelled in the spheres of drawing, painting, calligraphy, needlework, handicraft and the creation of miniature manuscripts which are considered unique.

The rise of Terapantha is the last big schism in the Swetambara sect and this Pantha is becoming popular. The Terapanthis are still limited in number and even though they are noticed in different cities in India, they are concentrated mainly in Bikaner, Jodhpur and Mewar areas of Rajasthan.

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Source: Internet