Terapanthi Natak - Book Summary

This is a summary of the Jain text "Terapanthi Natak" by Premchand Yati, based on the provided pages. The text appears to be a critique of the Terapanth sect of Jainism, written from the perspective of a critic.

Title: Terapanthi Natak (The Terapanthi Play) Author/Publisher: Premchand Yati (Resident of Ratan Garh) Language: Gujarati (with Hindi verses interspersed) Date: Samvat 1973 (approx. 1916 AD)

Overall Purpose: The book is presented as a "private circulation" document intended for the members of a Jain organization in Surat. Its stated purpose is to help different Jain sects understand each other, foster love and brotherhood, and promote the principles of Lord Mahavir, such as compassion and charity. However, the content is a strong criticism of the Terapanth sect, highlighting perceived deviations from core Jain principles and practices.

Key Criticisms and Themes:

Rejection of Idol Worship: The author points out that the Terapanth sect, starting from their "Dadaguru" in Samvat 1735, abolished idol worship. This is presented as a deviation from a fundamental Jain element.
Rejection of Compassion and Charity (Daya and Dan): The author accuses the founder of Terapanth, Bhikhamji, of undermining and distorting the concepts of compassion and charity to such an extent that even Kevali Bhagwan (omniscient beings) would find it impossible to convince Terapanthis that compassion and charity are part of dharma.
Accusations of Blasphemy and Error in Tirthankaras: The text alleges that Terapanth followers accuse the Tirthankaras (Jain spiritual leaders) of making mistakes and having flaws. It specifically mentions a claim that Lord Mahavir's act of "Varshidan" (giving away wealth for a year) resulted in him suffering for twelve years.
Distortion of Virtues and Sins: The author highlights a disturbing assertion attributed to Bhikhamji: that saving a life incurs 18 sins, while killing a life incurs only one sin. This is presented as a stark contradiction to Jain teachings and a severe distortion of truth.
Misleading the Public: The author claims that Terapanth primarily operates in Marwar and Mewar, where they deceive simple, Jain-ignorant people by presenting themselves as the only pure monks. They allegedly tell followers that giving donations only to them will lead to salvation and that other Jain monks are "bad gurus" and "false ascetics."
Violation of Monastic Vows (Pancha Mahavrat): The text extensively details supposed violations of monastic vows by Terapanth monks and nuns:
- First Vow (Ahimsa): Consuming uncooked food, uncooked water, and vegetables, which are considered "sachit" (containing life) and thus forbidden.
- Second Vow (Satya - Truth): Accused of lying, stealing verses from texts and claiming them as their own, and presenting fabricated teachings.
- Third Vow (Asteya - Non-stealing): Allegations of stealing verses and authorship.
- Fourth Vow (Brahmacharya - Celibacy): Detailed accusations of monks and nuns eating together in private, monks sleeping in nuns' quarters, nuns serving monks all day, nuns being kept by monks until late at night, and excessive clothing and possessions.
- Fifth Vow (Aparigraha - Non-possession): Keeping excessive clothes, vessels, and belongings, even needing nuns to carry them.
Criticism of Terapanth Practices:
- Mouth covering (Mukhpatti): The text questions the practice of tying a mukhpatti in a particular way and its extent, contrasting it with scriptural descriptions and pointing out the potential for insects to be trapped.
- Rajo-haran (broom): Criticized for its size and how it's carried, comparing it to an animal's tail.
- Guru-less Initiation: The text strongly condemns the concept of self-initiation without a guru, citing scriptures that emphasize the necessity of a guru for true initiation.
- Rejection of Jain Scriptures: It is claimed that Terapanth rejects many Jain scriptures, accepting only a limited number.
- Distorted Interpretation of Scriptures: The author alleges Terapanth reinterprets scriptures to suit their own doctrines, such as misinterpreting the term "kelun" (health/welfare) as "karuna" (compassion) to justify their views.
The Founder, Bhikhamji, and His Followers: Much of the criticism is directed at Bhikhamji and his followers, highlighting their alleged ignorance, fabricated doctrines, and contradictory statements. The author points out that even within Terapanth, later figures like Jitamal have criticized Bhikhamji's teachings.
Devotion and Worship: The text criticizes Terapanth's views on devotion, particularly their alleged rejection of idol worship and the concept of "Daya" (compassion) being sinful. It questions their understanding of Tirthankaras and their teachings.
Deception and Manipulation: The author implies that Terapanth uses cunning and deception to attract followers and maintain their influence.
Author's Experience: The author, Premchand Yati, states that he was part of the Terapanth sect for 32 years before leaving it due to the perceived lack of substance ("dhag" - mere show) and has written this book with the intention of preventing others from falling into their "trap."

Structure and Tone:

The book appears to be structured as a series of arguments and refutations, often quoting or referencing Jain scriptures (like Uttaradhyayan Sutra, Nishith Sutra, Achāranga Sutra, Bhagavati Sutra, Dashavaikalik Sutra, Gnātasūtra, etc.) to counter Terapanth doctrines. The tone is critical, accusatory, and polemical, aiming to expose what the author views as the flaws and falsehoods of the Terapanth sect.

Overall Message:

The "Terapanthi Natak" is a detailed attempt to discredit the Terapanth sect by highlighting its perceived inconsistencies with foundational Jain principles, scriptural interpretations, and ethical monastic conduct. The author's intent is to reveal what he considers the "true" nature of Terapanth to the Jain community.