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JAIN DIGEST .. May 2011
Terapanth Lineage Acharya Bhikshu (1760-1803) Acharya Bharmal (1803-1821) Acharya Raichand (1821-1851) Acharya Jeetmal (1851-1881) Acharya Maghraj (1881-1892) Acharya Manaklal (1892-1897) Acharya Dalchand (1897-1909) Acharya Kaluram (1909-1936) Acharya Tulsi (1936-1996) Acharya Mahaprajna (1996-9th May 2010), Acharya Mahashraman (From May)
capabilities and charitra of Acharya Mahashraman. "Mahashraman Aachaar Nishth Hai, Adhyaatma Nishth Hai, Vinmra Hai Aou Sub Prakar Se Saksham Hai. Main Bhavishya Ke Lie Nishchint Hun."
-Acharya Tulsi "Mahashraman is a legend in leading a pure life, firm conduct observance, and highly enlightened Saint. He is enormously capable. The future is in good hands." (the translation is intended to give the overall meaning instead of it being a paraphrase.) "Mahatapasvi Veh Hota Hai Jisme Indriya Sanyam Hota Hai. Mahashraman Ka Indriya Sanyam Anuttar Hai." - Acharya Mahapragya "A high profiled ascetic is the personality who has disciplined his mind, body and instincts blissfully. Mahashraman is an extra ordinary example of it. Therefore I recognize him an exemplary ascetic." Acharya Shri Mahashraman was born as Mohan Dugar on May 13, 1962 in Sardarshahar, Rajasthan in western India. His profound religious pursuits became manifest in his early formative years, along with an intense quest for in-depth knowledge and truth. A few days shy of his twelfth birthday, this child prodigy convinced the, then Acharya Tulsi to initiate him as a monk and thus began the meticulous nurturing and training that turned him into an outstanding saint and eminent Jain scholar. At the same time, he was also transformed into an extraordinary leader under the astute guidance and prudent prodding not only of his late grand guru but also of the late Acharya Mahapragya, for whom he has had the utmost devotion and reverence. Being a Yuvacharya, he was involved inseparably in all of Acharya Mahapragya's work. Acharya Mahapragya used to experience 'oneness' with Acharya Mahashraman. One witnesses rare coincidences in Acharya Mahashraman's life every 12 years. Every 12th year brought a new direction and responsibility in his life. He took diksha at the age of 12, he became Acharya Mahapragya's close subordinate at the age of 24, he became a Yuvacharya (designated Acharya) at the age of 36 and finally became the Acharya at the age of 48. Similarly, the month of May has been special in Acharya
Mahashraman's life; he was born on May 13, took his diksha on May 13, became Acharya Tulsi's disciple on May 13, and became the group leader on May 14. With his recent induction as the 11th Acharya of Terapanth, on May 23, 2010, in his hometown of Sardarshahar, the coincidences of 12 years and the month of May continues. Tirthankar Mahavir showed the path of liberation from karmic bondage through enlightened faith or perception (samyak darshana), enlightened knowledge (samyak jnana), and enlightened conduct (samyak charitra) 2600 years ago. Now it seems that three great Terapanth Jain saints of the modern era have become symbols of this three pronged concept. Acharya Tulsi laid the foundation by creating an institution that puts emphasis on the basic tenets of the Dharma while deemphasizing (not rejecting) certain age old traditions. It is an institution that encourages belief in reality that leads to rational perception. Belief in the core Jain philosophical concepts resulting from rational perception rather than blind faith is much stronger and clearer. Acharya Mahapragya built further on the foundation laid by Tulsiji. Many of Acharya Mahapragya's disciples describe him as an "Ocean of Knowledge". An ardent researcher and investigator, Mahapragnaji gained deep knowledge of the Jain Agams, other Jain canons, and various other eastern and western philosophical works. He subsequently showed the relevance of his mastery of this ancient treasure in every walk of life, including its positive impact on each and every aspect of our diverse modern society. The great efforts of these two masters would remain incomplete unless we in the society start imbibing these core values within us. This
Total Monk in Terapanth Sangh Acharya-1. Sadhu-153, Sadhvi-518, Saman-1. Samani-98. Mumukshu(Trainee Monks -43
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