Śvetāmbara Terapanth (तेरापंथ धर्मसंघ (श्वेतांबर) is a sect of the Śvetāmbara Jainism that was founded by Acharya Bhikshu in Vikram Samvat 1817. Acharya Bhikshu believed in strict adherence to the canonical code of conduct for ascetics as prescribed by (Lord )bhagwan Mahavira. Acharya Bhikshu rigorously followed the principles and thus set an example for all to follow. He showed the way for the life of discipline, purity and self-control.
He opposed the contemporaneous laxity in the conduct of the ascetics of the Sthanakvasi sect and suggested reformation, but his suggestions were not well received by his colleagues and his guru, Acharya Raghunathji.
Due to the conflict, Acharya Bhikshu, along with a few monks who supported his views, separated from Acharya Raghunathji at Bagadi (Marwar) in Vikram Samvat 1817 (), Chaitra Shukla Navami. This marked the beginning of the Śvetāmbara Terapanth.The Terapanth religious sect is known for its finely organized structure which operates under the complete direction of one Acharya, who serves as the supreme head of the order. With a history of over 200 years, the sect has had only eleven Acharyas, with the current supreme head being Acharya Shri Mahashraman ji, who is the eleventh Acharya. The sect consists of over 850 monks, nuns, Samans, and Samanis (a rank between ascetics and lay-followers) who adhere to strict codes of discipline, and has millions of followers worldwide. The sect emphasizes non-violence, vegetarianism, and strict adherence to the canonical code of conduct for ascetics. The sect's followers are called Terapanthis, and they have a strong tradition of seva (selfless service) and sadhana (spiritual practice).The Terapanthi monks and nuns follow a strict discipline that includes celibacy, non-possession, non-violence, truthfulness, and meditation. They lead a simple lifestyle, wear white robes and wear a muhapatti (a square of white cloth) over their face. The sect also encourages the practice of ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings.
The Terapanthi community has a significant presence in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh in India. The Terapanthi order is strict in its non-idolatrous approach, which means that they do not worship or believe in the use of idols for religious purposes. Instead, they focus on the importance of self-control, self-discipline, and meditation and have lakhs of followers in many parts of the world including Nepal, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.Shashi, p. 945Vallely, p. 59Singh, p. 5184
Nomenclature
Once, thirteen Shravakas (lay-followers) were doing Samayika in a big shop in Jodhpur's market. Fatechandji, the Divan (the Chief Minister of Jodhpur-State), saw this unusual sight and asked them curiously, “Why are you doing your Samayika here in a shop, not a Sthanaka?” The Shravakas told him the whole story of how Muni Bhikhanaji had left Acharya Raghunathaji and explained the ideological differences between them. The Divan understood and praised Swami Bhikanji's position. He asked, "How many followers does his new path have? They said, “Sir! We are thirteen.” The Divan also asked about the number of monks with Swami Bhikanji. They said, “Monks are also thirteen.” The Divan said, “It is amazing that both the monks and the lay followers are thirteen.”
At that time, a poet was standing nearby. He instantly composed a verse —“Sadha sadha ro gilo karai, te to apa aparo manta,
Sunajyo re shahar ra loka, ai Terapanthi tanta” So, the new group became known as ‘Terapanth’ meaning — a sect of thirteen monks. When Acharya Bhikshu heard about this name, he gave it another meaning. He got down from his seat, bowed to Lord Mahavira, and said happily, "O Lord! It is thy (tera) path (panth). I am just a follower of it." Thus Acharya Bhikshu made Terapanth mean “the Lord’s path” and also gave it more religious significance: (In vernacular language, “tera” means “your” and “thirteen”). “Tera” also means thirteen basic rules for the Jain ascetics: the Five Mahavratas, the Five Samitis, and the Three restraints (Guptis) belong to the order of Terapanth Sect.
Terapanth's Constitution (Maryada Patra)
Initially, Acharya Bhikshu did not have any intention of establishing an organized sangha based on his spiritual path. His sole objective was to attain the highest spiritual good and bliss, even if it meant sacrificing his life. However, as time passed, many monks and nuns joined him, and eventually, he gained thousands of followers.
Acharya Bhikshu spent several years closely examining the behavior and practices of the monastic code. He then established the constitution, rules, and regulations for the Terapanth order, aiming to infuse it with vitality while preserving purity of conduct, fostering cordial relations among its members, and ensuring strict discipline, effective management, and wholehearted dedication, with the Acharya serving as the central figure.
The main features of the Constitution of Terapanth are:
All the monks and the nuns should follow only one (Current) Acharya. Chaturmas, sojourns on foot etc. will be done according to Acharya's instructions. The present Acharya will choose his successor, who has to be accepted by all the members of the order as their next Acharya. Only the Acharya, and no one else, can initiate any monk or nun as his/her disciple. All things like clothes, utensils, books and manuscripts will belong to the Acharya, and not as personal property.
Although the Acharya is the highest authority of the order, he may ask for the opinion of the learned monks or nuns for his decision. Also, he may invite them to join in the discussions over disputed issues.
Acharya Bhikshu made the constitution and presented it to each monk and nun separately. Everyone agreed to it and signed it in support of it. That signed document of Maryadas are still safe today.
Maryada Mahotsava Maryada Mahotsava is a significant festival for the Terapanth Sangha, which has been celebrated continuously for over 150 years. It commemorates the establishment of strict Maryadas (rules) by Acharya Bhikshu, along with a complete constitution for the Order. Shrimad Jayacharya, Terapanth's fourth Acharya, introduced the Maryada Mahotsava in Vikram Samvat 1920 (1863 A.D.) to highlight the importance of discipline in the Order. The festival takes place on the seventh day of the bright fortnight of Magh, which falls in late January or early February.
The Terapanth sect follows a system where the Guru is supreme and the disciples are united by discipline, devotion, and humility. After Chaturmas, most monks and nuns gather at a place chosen by the Acharya, offer themselves and their manuscripts to him, and request him to assign them wherever he thinks best. On Maryada Mahotsava, monks and nuns present their activities to the Acharya, who examines their annual reports and asks about their behaviour and compliance with rules and conventions. The Acharya gives them prayshchita i.e. penance for errors and praises and motivates good performances.
Various philosophical and ethical topics are discussed, and seminars are organized during the festival. The Constitution of the Order, made by Acharya Shri Bhikshu and later Acharyas, is read out loud, and the current Acharya gives inspiration. Terapanth Dharamsangha currently has 153 monks and 550 nuns, forming nearly 140 groups, and emphasizes proper management and self-discipline for a stronger and more faithful organization.
List of Acharyas Acharya Bhikan Ji was the 1st Acharya of Swetambar Terapanth and till date there have been 11 Acharyas, with Acharya Mahashraman being the current one. Sl. No.Acharya NamePlace of birthPlace of AcharyapadHindu CalendarGregorian Calendar*Term (Years)Date of birthAcharya TermDate of birthAcharya TermStartDateStartDate1Acharya Bhikan Ji (Bhikshu)Kantaliya (Rajasthan)Kelwa (Rajasthan)Aashadh Shukla Trayodashi, 1783Aashadh Purnima, 1817Bhadrapad Shukla Trayodashi, 1860July 12, 1726June 26, 1760**August 30, 1803~432Acharya Bharimal JiMunha Gram (Bhilwara, Rajasthan)Siriyari (Rajasthan)Samvat 1804Bhadrapad Shukla Trayodashi, 1860Magha Krishna Ashtami, 18781747August 30, 1803January 15, 1822~183Acharya Raychand JiBadi Rawaliya (Rajasthan)Rajnagar (Rajasthan)Samvat 1847Magha Krishna Navami, 1878Magha Krishna Chaturdashi, 19081790January 16, 1822January 20, 1852304[./Https://hi.wikipedia.org/wiki/आचार्य_जीतमल Acharya Jeetmal Ji] (Jayacharya)Royat (Rajasthan)Bidasar (Rajasthan)Ashwin Shukla Chaturdashi, 1860Magha Purnima, 1908Bhadrapad Krishna Dwadashi, 1938September 30, 1803February 5, 1852September 20, 1881~295Acharya Maghwa GaniBidasar (Rajasthan)Jaipur (Rajasthan)Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi, 1897Bhadrapad Shukla Dwitiya, 1938Chaitra Krishna Panchami, 1949April 12, 1840August 26, 1881March 19, 1892~116Acharya Manak GaniJaipur (Rajasthan)Sardarsahar (Rajasthan)Bhadrapad Krishna Chaturthi, 1912Chaitra Krishna Ashtami, 1949Kartik Krishna Tritya, 1954August 30, 1855March 11, 1893October 13, 1897~57Acharya Dal GaniUjjain (Madhya Pradesh)Ladnun (Rajasthan)Aashadh Shukla Chaturthi, 1909Magha Krishna Dwitya, 1954Bhadrapad Shukla Dwadashi, 1966June 21, 1852January 10, 1898September 26, 1909~128Acharya Kalu GaniChhapar (Rajasthan)Ladnun (Rajasthan)Phalgun Shukla Dwitya, 1933Bhadrapad Purnima, 1966Bhadrapad Shukla Shasthi, 1993February 15, 1877September 29, 1909September 22, 1936~279Acharya Tulsi JiLadnun (Rajasthan)Gangapur (Rajasthan)Kartika Shukla Dwitya, 1971Bhadrapad Shukla Navami, 1993Magha Shukla Saptami, 2050October 20, 1914September 25, 1936February 18, 1994***~5710Acharya Mahapragya JiTamkor (Rajasthan)Sujangarh (Rajasthan)Aashadh Krishna Trayodashi, 1977Magha Shukla Saptami, 2050Vaishakh Krishna Ekadashi, 2067June 14, 1920February 18, 1994May 9, 2010~1611Acharya Mahashraman JiSardarsahar (Rajasthan)Sardarsahar (Rajasthan)Vaishakh Shukla Navami, 2019Vaishakh Shukla Dashmi, 2067May 13, 1962May 23, 2010 * Dates have been obtained from Hindu Calendar app, there might be a mismatch of few days
** Date on which Acharya Bhikan Ji started the Terapanth and became the first Acharya
*** On this day Acharya Tulsi stepped down as Acharya and handed over the reins to Acharya Mahapragya Ji
Preksha Meditation (Prekṣā-Dhyāna)
Lord Mahavira's spiritual practice included two vital aspects: austerity and meditation. Meditation was a significant part of his spiritual practice as stated in the Jain scriptures. Despite this, the tradition of meditation gradually disappeared after his attainment of Nirvana, leading to the misconception that meditation was not a part of Jain asceticism.
Ācārya Bhikṣu, was said to be able to practice breath retention (hold his breath) for at least two ghadis (48 minutes). He also practiced ātāpanā by sitting under the scorching sun for hours while chanting and visualizing mantras. Further Terapanth scholars like Jayācārya wrote on various meditation practices, which influenced the later “perception of breathing” (śvāsa–prekṣā) and the meditation on auras (leśyā-dhyāna) of Ācārya Mahāprajña.
To revive this extinct system of meditation, Acharya Shri Tulsi tasked Muni Nathmalji (Acharya Mahapragya ji) with conducting research and developing a scientific system of meditation. Through his studies of ancient scriptures, Muni Nathmalji (Ācārya Mahāprajña) developed a system termed Prekṣā-Dhyāna which is a combination of ancient wisdom and modern science based on Jain Canons. It included "meditative techniques of perception, Kayotsarg, Anupreksha, mantra, posture (āsana), breath control (prāṇāyāma), hand and body gestures (mudrā), various bodily locks (bandha), meditation (dhyāna) and reflection (bhāvanā)."
The scholar of religion Andrea Jain states that she was convinced that Mahāprajña and others across the world were attempting "to attract people to Preksha Dhyana by making it intersect with the global yoga market".