R.K. Bengani
Dear Readers, after making a wish to be lead/ruled by Acharyashri Mahaprajnaji for krod diwali (ten million diwalis/years), Yuvacharyashri shifted his lecture to importance of Maryada (religious self discipline). In this context he said, “The road to progress becomes smooth for the organization which is alert and aware about discipline, proper arrangements and Maryada.
Our former acharyas applied their energies in making Maryada and allied arrangements stronger. I have seen and witnessed Gurudev Tulsi doing this. Respected Acharyapravar also spends his time in making Maryada and arrangements stronger. On this subject, there was a school of thought that there should be a Terapanth Manual so that the sangh can become even stronger. Some of the rules of proposed manual were framed in presence and in witness of Gurudev Shri Tulsi and under direction of Acharyashri. Or this can be also said that those rules were framed by Gurudev Tulsi himself. During our stay in Haryana, Acharyapravar decreed that the manual should be tabled by 2nd day of bright half of Indian month kartik.”
Acharya Tulsi (middle) was the 9th acharya.At this point, Acharyashri added, “2nd day of bright half of Indian month kartik is birthday of Gurudev Tulsi. During Gurudev Tulsi’s time, there was a thought that after approximate 100 years of Acharya Bhikshu, Jayaacharyashri gave several new arrangements to the sangh. Gurudev Tulsi indicated that you (Acharya Mahaprajna) should also make certain arrangements so that the sangh’s affairs can run without any major obstacle for next 100 years. Consequently, the work on proposed manual was initiated but because of certain difficulties, there was a pause in that work. I am convinced that this booklet of Maryada is a result of far reaching thoughts of Gurudev Tulsi. That’s why I had asked Mahashraman to table the booklet on 2nd day of bright half of Indian month kartik – birthday of Gurudev Tulsi.”
Yuvacharyashri resumed, “As asked and indicated by Acharyashri, I had submitted the booklet to HH on 2nd day of bright half of Indian month kartik. Its title is ‘Anushashan Sanhita’ (Disciplinary Compilations). All the monks and nuns should thoroughly study this and convey their consent /agreement and/or opinions to me”.
Acharyashri interjected, “Till date, it was only a proposal. Now it has been examined and analyzed by many monks and nuns. I HEREBY DECLARE THAT COMPILATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BOOKLET BECOME APPLCIABLE FORTHWITH”.
Yuvacharyashri disclosed, “For many days prior to Maryada Mahotsav, we had several debates. Several points were thought out and discussed. There were various ways of applying disciplinary rules. Some days ago, I reported to Acharyapravar that an air conditioner was running in a room occupied by some monks. By co-incidence, those particulars monks walked in acharyaparavar’s room. Acharyashri asked them to explain why air conditioner was running in their room. Perhaps Acharyashri awarded some token punishment to those monks. From that time onwards, usage of air conditioner has been completely discontinued. I am telling you all this to inform you that the acharyas have to maintain a high degree of vigil so that there are no lapses on part of anyone. Our monks and nuns need to be aware and conscious of the fact that all of us should restrain ourselves from any acts/deeds which lead us to material comforts. We should continue the practices of hardship.”
Yuvacharyashri then turned the focus of his lecture to lay persons and said, “Our shrawaks should be careful. They should not operate air conditioners etc equipments in rooms where monks and nuns stay. This is totally and completely prohibited.” He continued, “These days sometimes it is seen that people come to monks and nuns, push forward their mobile phones and request to recite manglik (auspicious prayers). The shrawaks should be aware and remain alert to the fact that monks and nuns are not permitted to speak on mobile phones. Therefore the shrawaks should not request monks and nuns to recite manglik on mobiles. Further, it is seen that TV etc equipments are installed in many Sabha Bhawans (Society’s Buildings) where monks and nuns stay. The arrangements for TV etc equipments should be restricted to your private homes only. Sabha Bhawans and other preaching places should not have TV etc equipments.”
Yuvacharyashri continued to alert the shrawaks, “Many of you people run kitchens where monks and nuns stay for their chaturmas. Of course, it is your personal matter. But in this respect, there is a clear direction from Acharyashri to all monks and nuns that they should not go for gochari (alms) at such kitchens.”
Yuvacharyashri clarified, “All these disciplinary rules and restrictions are in place with the sole aim of enhancing purity in the sangh. Even a small time lapse can become very dangerous in due course. All members of sangh need to remain aware and alert about these matters. Let there be no scope for lethargy. Today’s day is symbolic day for Maryada and arrangements. This symbolic day is the day to RESOLVE and DETERMINE that we will give first priority to Maryada and allied rules in our daily lives.”
Yuvacharyashri then once again shifted his lecture to historical Chadwas Maryada Mahotsav and said that on that occasion Gurudev Tulsi wrote one open letter to monks and nuns of the sangh.”
Please visit us again for the text of above said open letter from Gurudev Tulsi and more on 143rd Maryada Mahotsav.
Dear Readers, proceedings of the day reminded me of a technical phrase, shaarna & vaarna (praise and reproach) I had learned long long ago. In Gangasahar, I had seen practical application of both. Both were done without fear or favour and without causing any hard feelings. They were done with the sole aim of betterment of the person/s concerned and sangh. Permit me to say that there is plenty of scope to apply shaarna & vaarna in our daily dealings/life as well.