Jainism & Terapanth
Jainism is an ancient religion of
India that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings.
Its philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to
move the soul towards divine consciousness and liberation. Any soul that has conquered its own inner enemies and achieved the state of supreme being is called Jina (Conqueror or Victor).
Jainism is also referred to as
Shraman (self-reliant) Dharma or the religion of Nirgantha (who does not
have attachments and aversions) by ancient texts.
Acharya Bhikshu
felt the chaos and turmoil in the society by the various
interpretations obsolete blind belief. He aliped the larger
responsibility to create a strong and simple way of delivering the
principles of Jainism. He established the TERAPANTH realizing it as TERA (THY) PANTH (Path).
Acharya Bhikshu laid stress on the 13 religious principles, namely,
- Five Mahavratas (Great Vows),
- Five Samitis (Regulations) and
- Three Guptis (Controls or Restraints)
This practice of regulating the
entire Panth by one Acharya only has become a characteristic feature of
the Terapanth and an example for emulation by other Panths. It is
noteworthy that all monks and nuns of the Terapanth scrupulously follow
the orders of their Acharya, preach under his guidance and carry out all
religious activities in accordance with his instructions.
TERAPANTH preaches the
divinity of Jainism by simplifying its philosophy and understanding. It
preaches the principles of Jain under the leadership of his holiness the
enlightened one, the living Guru. In the 19th century when the social
disorder and anarchy increased due to warring rulers, invading
foreigners and reduced educational system, a sun rised in the form of
Terapanth to enlighten the future of Humanity.
TERAPANTH URGES
• Self Control
• Self Discipline
• Perseverance
• Humanity
• Non-violence
• Self Control
• Self Discipline
• Perseverance
• Humanity
• Non-violence