Sadhvi Vishrut Vibha
In an effort to bring the ascetic order more in congruence with modern society and its conditions, Acharya Shri Tulsi decided to create a class of mendicants, which would fall somewhere between the category of lay followers and monks or nuns with respect to renunciation.
This category of Samans and Samanis was established on 11th Nov. 1980. through the creation of this new cadre of ‘semi-ascetics’ well trained in Jain philosophy and practicing a life of almost complete renunciation, who can travel freely throughout India and abroad to spread the message of non-violence, a revolutionary change was brought about in the field of propagation of religion. This cadre has to renounce the wordly life and march on the path of spiritual development. It is exempt from some deportments of Jain ascetice, such as, not to accept alms specially prepared for them, traveling on foot, uprooting hair from head and face, etc..
Since its inception, over two decades ago, this category has been tremendously successful in its mission both within and outside India. So far, more than 125 men and women have accepted this Samana initiation. Out of them, twenty five have been promoted to become initiated into the order of monks and nuns. At present, the number of Samanis is more than 100.
Some boys and girls had taken Saman/Samani initiation for a specific and limited time. The progress of the Saman Category is due to the successful leadership of Gandhipati Tulsi and Acharya Shri Mahaprajna ji. Sadhvi Vishrut Vibha ji is specially deputed under Sadhvi Pramukha Kanakprabha ji to look after the activities of Samanis.
