Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Sampraday Ka Sankshipta Itihas - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Sampraday ka Sankshipta Itihas" (A Brief History of the Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Sect):

This book, compiled by the Shri Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Sabha, Calcutta, and published by the Malva Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Sabha, serves as a historical account of the Terapanthi sect within Jainism.

Core Principles and Philosophy:

Eternal Truth: The book emphasizes that Dharma (religion) is eternal, unchanging, and based on fundamental truths like non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possession (aparigraha). These principles, preached by all Tirthankaras, are the bedrock of Jainism.
Liberation: The ultimate goal in Jainism is liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, achieved by freeing the soul from karmas. The Terapanthi sect, like all Jain traditions, advocates for knowledge, perception, conduct, charity, virtue, penance, and contemplation as the means to this liberation.
Focus on Inner Purity: The sect stresses the importance of inner purity and the practice of these principles through conduct. They believe that the essence of Jainism lies in these eternal truths, not in outward rituals alone.
No Idol Worship: A significant doctrinal point highlighted is that Terapanthis do not practice idol worship (murti puja). Instead, they focus on "bhava puja" or meditation on the virtues of the Tirthankaras and venerate those who have achieved liberation or live exemplary ascetic lives. Their worship is centered on the qualities of individuals rather than their images.
Asceticism and Renunciation: The Terapanthi sect is characterized by its strict adherence to ascetic practices and renunciation. The monks (sadhus) and nuns (sadhvis) lead lives of extreme discipline, focusing on spiritual upliftment and the welfare of others through religious teachings.

Origins and Founder:

Acharya Bhikhanji Maharaj: The founder and first Acharya of the Terapanthi sect was the revered Shri Shri 1008 Shri Bhikhanji Swami. Born in 1726 AD in the Marwar region, he displayed a strong inclination towards spirituality from a young age.
Quest for Truth: Dissatisfied with the practices of the then-existing Jain sects, including those of the Gachchhavasis and Pothiyabandh, and later finding a lack of true devotion in the Shwetambar Sthanakvasi sect, Bhikhanji sought a purer path. He was influenced by Acharya Rughnathji.
Disillusionment with Practices: Through his deep study of Jain scriptures and observation of the contemporary monastic community, Bhikhanji identified several deviations from the original teachings. These included living in specially built residences, accepting specific or "targeted" alms, not adhering to strict begging rules, and keeping books without proper purification.
The "Terapanthi" Name: The name "Terapanthi" originated during Bhikhanji's travels. In Jodhpur, his small group of 13 monks and 13 lay followers (shravaks) were observed by a poet-servant. Seeing this coincidence of "13 and 13," he coined the term "Terapanthi" (meaning "of thirteen" or "on your side"). Bhikhanji embraced this name, interpreting it to mean a path that follows the thirteen principles (five great vows, five samitis, and three guptis) or a path that is truly yours, O Lord.
Re-initiation: In 1817 AD, Bhikhanji re-initiated himself into the monastic order, signifying a recommitment to the strict, pure path.

Key Principles of Terapanthi Monastic Life:

The book details the stringent rules and vows followed by Terapanthi monks and nuns:

Five Mahavratas (Great Vows):
- Pranatipata Viraman Vrata (Non-violence): Absolute commitment to not harming any living being by thought, word, or deed. This involves extreme care, such as not using fans in summer, avoiding fire in winter, not eating unpurified food, not breaking leaves, not walking on grass, and not touching living water.
- Mrushavada Viraman Vrata (Truthfulness): Speaking only the truth, and with careful consideration, using gentle, unambiguous language that does not cause harm. They will remain silent if speaking the truth is detrimental.
- Adattadana Viraman Vrata (Non-stealing): Not taking anything that is not freely given. This principle extends to not initiating the creation of anything for oneself or approving of others doing so. It also dictates that individuals need parental consent for initiation, even if they are of age.
- Maithuna Viraman Vrata (Celibacy): Complete abstinence from sexual activity in thought, word, and deed. This includes not touching members of the opposite sex.
- Aparigraha Vrata (Non-possession): Renouncing all forms of possessions, including wealth, jewelry, and even materials like spectacles.
Sixth Vrata - Ratribhojana Tyaga (No Food after Sunset): Strict adherence to not consuming any food or drink after sunset.
Five Samitis (Carefulness in Activities):
- Irya Samiti: Walking with utmost care, looking ahead to avoid harming any living beings.
- Bhasha Samiti: Speaking thoughtfully, truthfully, and in a manner that does not cause harm or offense.
- Eshana Samiti: Accepting alms and essential items with extreme caution, ensuring they are pure and not prepared specifically for them.
- Adana Bhanda Nikshepana Samiti: Handling utensils, clothes, and other belongings with care to avoid harming any living beings.
- Uchcharaadi Pratishthapana Samiti: Disposing of bodily waste and other impure materials in a way that minimizes harm to living beings.
Three Guptis (Control over Mind, Speech, and Body): Maintaining control over one's thoughts, words, and actions.

Lineage of Acharyas:

The book traces the lineage of the Terapanthi Acharyas, highlighting their contributions and the growth of the sect:

Acharya Bhikhanji Maharaj (1726-1806 AD): Founder, initiated the pure path.
Acharya Bharimalji Maharaj: Continued the path, appointed by Bhikhanji.
Acharya Raichandji Maharaj: Expanded the order, nominated Jitmallji.
Acharya Jitmallji Maharaj: Renowned scholar and poet, translated scriptures.
Acharya Magharajji Maharaj: Continued the legacy.
Acharya Maniklallji Maharaj: Brief tenure, no successor appointed by him.
Acharya Dalchandji Maharaj: Continued the tradition.
Acharya Kaluramji Maharaj (Current): The present Acharya, known for his profound scriptural knowledge and impactful preaching.

Practices and Observances:

Tapasya (Penance): The sect places immense importance on rigorous penance, with many monks and nuns undertaking prolonged fasts (upavasa) and other austerities for spiritual purification and liberation. The book provides detailed accounts of severe penances undertaken by several ascetics.
Discipline and Organization: Terapanthis are noted for their strong adherence to discipline and a well-organized structure. They maintain strict rules regarding their daily conduct, movement, and interaction with the lay community.
Renunciation of Modern Conveniences: They eschew modern conveniences like vehicles, electricity, telephones, and even spectacles, seeing them as violations of their vows of non-violence and non-possession.
No Sociopolitical Involvement: Terapanthi monks and nuns do not participate in social, political, or economic activities, dedicating their lives solely to spiritual pursuit and religious propagation.
Vigilance: The lay followers (shravaks and shravikas) maintain a watchful eye on the conduct of the monks and nuns to ensure adherence to the strict rules.
Maagh Mahotsav: An annual gathering in the month of Magh where all monks and nuns come to meet the Acharya, report on their activities, and receive guidance for the upcoming year.

Distinguishing Features and Differences with Other Sects:

Emphasis on "Nirvadhya Karani" (Unblemished Deeds): The Terapanthi sect believes that only actions approved by the Tirthankaras lead to liberation. Actions not explicitly sanctioned are considered "Savadhya Karani" (actions with blemish) and lead to karmic bondage. They differentiate this from other Jain sects which might interpret these principles differently.
Mona (Silence) and its Interpretation: The book addresses the interpretation of "Mona" (silence) in Jainism, clarifying that it does not always signify agreement, particularly in situations where speaking out could cause harm or create a dilemma, as exemplified by the story of the well-digging.
Aagar vs. Anaagar: They distinguish between "Aagar" (possessing limited provisions or allowances) for lay followers and "Anaagar" (complete renunciation) for monks. Terapanthis firmly believe that any "aagar" for lay followers, while perhaps necessary for worldly life, still incurs karmic consequences, whereas the allowances granted to monks are for the sustenance of their ascetic life and are considered part of their religious path.
The True Meaning of Compassion (Daya): The text refutes the notion that the mere presence of a living being signifies compassion, or its death, violence. True compassion, they argue, lies in the complete commitment to non-violence, not causing harm, not inciting harm, and not approving of harm. Abhayadaan (giving fearlessness) is considered the highest form of compassion.
Equanimity in Conflict: Terapanthi monks are taught to remain neutral and detached in situations of conflict between living beings. They do not intervene forcefully but preach Dharma if possible or maintain equanimity.
True Charity (Su paatra daan): They emphasize that true religious merit comes from giving to worthy recipients (supaatra) who embody the principles of non-violence, truthfulness, etc. Giving to unworthy recipients or for worldly purposes like appeasing planets or for dowries is not considered religious merit.

Conclusion:

The book presents the Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi sect as a revival and strict adherence to the original, pristine form of Jainism. It highlights the dedication, discipline, and austere lifestyle of its followers, particularly its monks and nuns, as a testament to their commitment to spiritual upliftment and liberation. The history showcases a lineage of dedicated Acharyas who have guided the community through centuries, maintaining its distinct identity and principles.