Sambodhi 2018 Vol 41

SR No.: 520791
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: J B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 2018
Total Pages: 256
Language: English, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gujarati
Classification: Magazine, India_Sambodhi, & India
File Size: 20 MB

Page 79

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Jitendra B. Shah
SAMBODHI
total 84 divisions. But at present, only a few divisions like Tapagachchh, Khartargachchh, Achalgachchh, Pamchandgachchh and Vimalgachchh are in existence and others are found only in scriptures. In terms of figure, Tapagachchh is the biggest division As the Acharyas of this division follow separate tradition, Tapagachchh have various Sanghada (groups-subgroups). Presently, there are 18 Sanghada, which include about 150 Acharyas, 2500 Sadhus and 6000 Sadhvis. Sadhus of these Sanghada have their own Upashrayas in Ahmedabad. These Upashrayas are receptive to the Sadhus of other Sanghada, but during four months of Monsoon i.e. Chaturmas, Sadhus of respective Sanghada are given priority.
Pratikraman and Padilehan and then Darshan in Derasar are main morning activities of Sadhus. Then they deliver lecture and guide Jain Shravaks for problems related with Religious activities. In the afternoon, they perform various religious activities like Swadhyay, jap(recitation of mantras) and meditation again and preaching. In the evening, they perform Swadhyay, jap(recitation of mantras) and meditation again. They visit several houses of Shravaks to collect food. They use only wooden utensils. They share it at Upashraya with other Sadhus. This practice is called as Gochri. Jain Sadhusadhvis do not use vehicles and they travel on foot. They snatch their hair every year. This is a routine for all sadhus.
Some Jain Sadhus have written many well known works here. They have been influential in retaining Jain sanskar and encouraging spirit for religion in people. Acharyashri Ramvijayji and Acharyashri Ramchandra Vijayji. Ramvijayji (Ramchandra Suri) and Gandhiji were contemporaries. Acharyashri Ramvijay was 27 year younger than Gandhiji, but both started their careers around 1915 A.D. in Ahmedabad. As per Punya Parichay (p. 20-21) at that time, there was much dispute among Jain Sadhus about the interpretation of religious doctrines, especially on the definition of non-violence. Acharyashri Ramvijay had played an important role.
Acharyashri Ramvijayji started delivering lectures on Jain diet and Jain way of living in 1920 A.D. He noticed that many new hotels were mushrooming in city and people had turned to the food which is not allowed in Jainism. Punya Parichay also mentions that his speech spread across the streets of Ahmedabad and as a result, restaurant-owners had to shut down their business. Restaurant like Chandravilas and Lakshmivilas, which used to be overcrowded by food-lovers then remained without people. (Punya Parichay, pp.23, 24).