Anuvrat Movements Theory and Practical

Author(s): Shivani Bothra
Publisher: USA Florida International University

Page 92

CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION
Initially, I started the research with some deeply held assumptions regarding the
Anuvrat Movement. I was personally inspired by the past success of the movement under
Tulsi's administration. Therefore, I was hoping that by analyzing the spread of the
Anuvrat Movement within India, I could explore the potential for the movement to be
influential in the Jain Diaspora, in ways similar to how the yoga movement was able to
spread from India to the West. As I progressed with my interviews though, I came to see
the topic in a new light. In choosing to write about the Anuvrat Movement, I had known I
was exploring a fresh area of inquiry within Jainism. At the conclusion of my analysis, I
have come to realize that although the evidence collected from my interviews does not
support my initial premise, I have gained other valuable insight into the relevance of Jain
traditions in addressing post-modern social issues.
Acharya Tulsi explored the use of vows as a vehicle for individual regeneration of
character and also incorporated a number of reformative concepts on issues ranging from
orthodox social customs to environmentalism. "Self-restraint is life.” This three-worded
slogan formed the philosophical ideal behind his movement.
From my historical research and from my interviews about the present state of the
movement, I observed that under the personal leadership of Tulsi, the movement was
successful in touching the lives of individuals from a wide variety of religious and
political backgrounds and from different socio-economic classes. From this I came to
think that, it was Tulsi's charismatic personality, and the example he gave to others
through his own actions, which influenced his followers and earned him the respect of
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