R.K. Bengani
Dear Readers, 7th day of bright half of Indian month Magh. Thursday the 25th January 2007. Main Event of 143rd Maryada Mahotsav in Gangasahar was well in progress. MC of the festivities, Munishri Mohjeetkumarji did us all a big favour and requested Acharya Pravar to address the congregation and HH started his address soon after 14:30hrs by showing the Maryada Patra
written by
Acharya Bhikshu
Acharyashri then read out some of the sections contained in that all important document.. which is like a constitution or life line to terapanth sangh. All monks and nuns audibly repeated their acceptance ‘kabul hai’ (I accept). Bharmalji was his (Acharya Bhikshu’s) successor, therefore all the monks and nuns of that time were asked to follow and obey the guidelines established by Bharmalji..(and by extension…all subsequent successors to this tradition), the monks and nuns were instructed to spend chaturmas at places decided and ordered by Bharmalji, they were asked to travel for rest 8 months (except chaturmas) in areas designated by Bharmalji, they were prohibited from making their own individual disciples.. all disciples will be that of acharyas only. Acharya Bhikshu wrote that attachments towards disciples and comfortable living places had resulted in bad karmas for many monks and nuns in near and distant past so all should exercise caution and refrain from this practice. Acharyashri said, even in present time, in some other sects, there are perpetual issues and debates about disciples. He said it was indeed a good thing that Acharya Bhikshu had taken care of the root cause of this problem.
Acharyashri continued explanations of some of the sections of Maryada Patra and said, “These are fundamental guidelines given by Acharya Bhikshu. These were written in marwadi (a language spoken in marwad region of Indian state of Rajasthan) and were translated in hindi language by Acharya Tulsi so that everyone can read and properly understand the intentions and impact of the same. There can not be anything more important than this Maryada Patra for us because all activities of our sangh are indeed based on this. While preserving the tradition of single leadership, I wrote a Booklet of Discipline (anushashan sanhita). In our tradition, acharya and yuvaacharya are at top most places because essentially there is no difference or duality between acharya and yuvaacharya. Next comes the place of Sadhvipramukha. We have plan to appoint a Mukhya Niyojak (Chief Director - male). We have Mukhya Niyojika (chief Director - female) who assists Sadhvipramukha in all her work regarding nuns of the sangh. She is also responsible for taking care of Samani Group. She acts a bridge between Samanijis on one side and Sadhvipramukha and Achrya/Yuvaacharya on other side for mental peace, education, health and other related issues of Samanijis”
Acharyshri continued, “We also have plans for a Bahushrut Parishad (a group/body of well read/knowledgeable monks and nuns). This bahushrut parishad will assist and advise the acharya and give opinions about fundamental principals and other important issues related to sangh.”
Acharyashri said, “Next important title is of Shashan Gaurava (person of eminence/glory in sangh). The monks and nuns who have been awarded this title are giving (and should continue to give) advise to Acharya and Yuvaacharya. Then there are singhada (small groups of monks and nuns - with one designated as their head). When traveling away from Acharya, these singhadas represent acharya in those places”
Acharya Jeetmal
(Jayaachryashri)
Acharyashri interjected a teaching of Jayaachryashri in this context and said that no one should desire to be a head of singhada. The heads are appointed by acharya. As long as one is able to fulfill his responsibility with full ability and harmony as head of singhada, he should continue to do so. If the person feels any difficulty in proper discharge of duties as head of singahda, he can renounce the position of head.”
Pujyapravar mentioned the all important example of Acharya Tulsi and said, he was very healthy, there were no limitation or compelling reasons for him to do so, still he renounced his post as acharya. So looked from this context, there is no difficulty in renouncing the post of head of a singahda as well.
Acharyashri continued, “Acharya Bhikshu gave utmost importance to justice and equal distribution of resources. If there are four monks and amongst them they are able to get only one piece of bread as alms, then it will be divided in four equal parts. There can not be a situation where a senior or someone else gets more. Likewise, clothes and other items of daily necessity are also divided in equal proportions. There were six main objectives before Acharya Bhikshu when he wrote the Maryada Patra:
- Justice
- Equal distribution of resources
- Enhancement of feeling of equanimity
- Mutual affection
- Mechanism of disputes settlement / reconciliation
- Good / workable administrative arrangements for whole sangh
Acharyashri said that any society or group which keeps these six objectives in mind, even today, can be free from all type of internal/social evils.
With such fine and simple solution towards eradication of all social evils, Acharyashri shifted the focus of his talk to Haazari (roll call) which is held every month and Badi Haazari (big roll call) which is held once a year.. yes, on this day..main day of Maryada Mahotsav. Dear Readers, for balance parts of Acharyapravar’s address and details of Badi Haazari, please visit these pages again.
In the meantime, let me wish you all a nice weekend.