Terapanth Me Sanskrut Ka Vikas

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Terapanth me Sanskrut ka Vikas" (The Development of Sanskrit in Terapanth) by Vimalmuni, based on the provided pages:

The text traces the historical development of Sanskrit language study and composition within the Terapanth Jain tradition, highlighting the pivotal roles of various Acharyas (spiritual leaders).

Early Seeds of Sanskrit Study (Acharya Jaya Muni): The journey begins in Vikram Samvat 1881 (1824 CE) with Acharya Jaya Muni (the fourth Acharya of Terapanth). During his Chaumasa (monsoon retreat) in Jaipur, he learned of a lay follower's son studying Sanskrit. Jaya Muni, who was studying Agama texts with Muni Hemraj Ji and wished to deepen his understanding of the Sanskrit commentaries, saw an opportunity. He requested the young boy to teach him Sanskrit at night. The boy readily agreed, seeing it as a double benefit: revision of his studies and service to a respected Muni. Jaya Muni diligently memorized the grammar sutras and their commentaries, then versified them in Rajasthani. This early effort marked the "sowing of the seed" of Sanskrit in the Terapanth Dharma Sangha. Jaya Muni later became the Acharya and encouraged Sanskrit study, inspiring Muni Maghraj Ji, who became a Sanskrit scholar and composed some Sanskrit works. Muni Maghraj Ji's sister, Sadhvi Pramukha Gulabaji, was the first in the Sadhvi (female ascetic) community to study Sanskrit.

Sanskrit as the Key to Agamas (Acharya Maghraj Ji): After Jaya Muni, Muni Maghraj Ji became the fifth Acharya. He emphasized the importance of Sanskrit to his young disciple, Muni Kaluram Ji, stating, "Sanskrit is the key to our Agamas. The Agamas are in Prakrit language, and their commentaries are written in Sanskrit. One who knows Sanskrit can understand the secrets of the Agamas through the commentaries. Therefore, we must study Sanskrit." Inspired by Acharya Maghraj Ji, Muni Kaluram Ji began his Sanskrit studies, but sadly, the Acharya passed away before Kaluram Ji could complete them. Following Maghraj Ji's demise, the flow of Sanskrit study in the Terapanth Dharma Sangha gradually began to decline.

A Resurgence Triggered by a Scholarly Encounter (Acharya Dal Ganiji and Muni Kaluram Ji): The sixth Acharya, Muni Manaklal Ji, had a short tenure. His sudden passing led to a leadership vacuum, resolved by the community's unanimous decision to appoint Muni Dalchand Ji as the seventh Acharya. During Acharya Dal Ganiji's tenure, in Vikram Samvat 1960 (1903 CE), he visited Bidasar. The local Thakur, Hukum Singh Ji, a patron of Sanskrit, encountered a Sanskrit verse he couldn't understand. He sent the verse to Acharya Dal Ganiji for explanation. Acharya Dal Ganiji passed it to Muni Kaluram Ji, who was also unable to provide the meaning. This incident profoundly impacted Muni Kaluram Ji, who resolved to study Sanskrit again and began memorizing the first part of the "Saraswat" grammar. Later, in Churu, through the efforts of the devoted lay follower Raychand Ji Surana, Muni Kaluram Ji was introduced to Pandit Ghanshyamdas Ji. Pandit Ghanshyamdas Ji was so impressed by Muni Kaluram Ji's personality that, despite difficulties, he agreed to teach him Sanskrit without any remuneration. This partnership propelled Muni Kaluram Ji's Sanskrit studies forward.

Sanskrit Flourishes Under Acharya Kaluram Ji: Acharya Dal Ganiji passed away in Vikram Samvat 1966 (1909 CE), appointing Muni Kaluram Ji as his successor. Muni Kaluram Ji became the eighth Acharya. Despite assuming numerous responsibilities, he continued to prioritize Sanskrit study, aiming to accelerate its progress. His dedication led to a strong command of the Sanskrit language. He interpreted a dream of a tree laden with fruits and flowers as a sign that Sanskrit would now blossom within the Sangha.

The Era of Scholarly Collaboration and Composition (Acharya Kaluram Ji and Scholars): During the Sardarshahar Chaumasa in Vikram Samvat 1974 (1917 CE), Acharya Kaluram Ji met the erudite scholar Pandit Raghunandan Ji. Their initial meeting dispelled Pandit Raghunandan Ji's misconceptions about the Terapanth monastic life, and he gained a deep understanding of their practices. The next day, he presented a compilation of verses titled "Sadhu-Shatak" to Acharya Kaluram Ji. Impressed by Pandit Raghunandan Ji's intellectual capacity and quick grasp, the Pandit became dedicated to the Terapanth Dharma Sangha. With the invaluable support of Pandit Ghanshyamdas Ji and Pandit Raghunandan Ji, and under the inspiration of Acharya Kaluram Ji, many Munis significantly advanced in Sanskrit. During this period, several Munis composed works like "Kalu Kalyan Mandir" and "Kalu Bhaktamar Stotra." Notable among these were Muni Tulsiram Ji (later Acharya Shri Tulsi), Muni Kanmal Ji, Muni Nathmal Ji, Muni Sohanlal Ji, Muni Dhanraj Ji, and Muni Chandanmal Ji. Muni Chauthamal Ji further facilitated Sanskrit studies by composing "Kalu Kaumudi" for students of Sanskrit grammar and also wrote the extensive work "Bhikshu Shabd-Anushasan." These compositions received indispensable support from Pandit Raghunandan Ji.

Acharya Tulsi's Vision for Sadhvi Sanskrit Education: While Sanskrit had gained momentum among the Munis during Acharya Kaluram Ji's tenure, it had not yet significantly spread among the Sadhvis. Acharya Kaluram Ji strongly desired for Sadhvis to also develop proficiency in Sanskrit, but his aspiration remained unfulfilled at his passing. He entrusted this mission to his successor, Acharya Shri Tulsi, urging him to pay special attention to it in his final teachings.

Acharya Tulsi's Transformative Leadership: Acharya Shri Tulsi, who assumed leadership at the young age of 22, profoundly influenced the entire Sangha with his administrative prowess. He not only fostered Sanskrit development among the Munis but also significantly focused on the Sadhvis' Sanskrit education. A seven-year curriculum was established for the academic development of both Munis and Sadhvis, with the final qualification being equivalent to an M.A. Annual examinations were conducted, and many achieved distinction. Although this specific curriculum is now discontinued, it has been replaced by a course designed by the education department of Jain Vishva Bharati. Acharya Shri Tulsi's period saw a remarkable surge in the academic progress of both Munis and Sadhvis. Currently, many are fluent in spoken Sanskrit, and their written compositions flow unhindered.

Published Sanskrit Works: The text lists published works by Acharyas and Munis in Sanskrit:

1. Acharya Tulsi: Bhikshu Nyaya Kanika, Mano'nushasanam, Jain Siddhanta Deepika, Panchasutram, Shiksha Shannavati, Kartavya Shat Trishika.
2. Yuvacharya Mahapragya: Ashru Veena, Mukulam.
3. Muni Shri Chandanmal Ji: Jyotihsphulingam, Anubhav Shatakam, Abhinishkramanam, Arjunalakararn, Prabhav-Prabodhan, Vardhmana Shiksha Saptati, Sanvara-Sudha, etc.
4. Muni Shri Sohanlal Ji: Devagurudharma Stotra.
5. Muni Shri Buddhmal Ji: Utishtha Jagrut.
6. Muni Shri Dhanraj Ji (Ladnun): Bhavabhaskara Kavya.

The author notes that many other compositions by Munis and Sadhvis remain unpublished. In addition to writing, many are also proficient in extemporaneous Sanskrit poetry. The text concludes with a blessing for the Munis and Sadhvis to achieve greater renown in education, spiritual practice, and service, spreading the fragrance of the Sangha's governance everywhere.