Mahashraman

Acharya Mahashraman (IAST: Ācārya Mahāśramaṇa) (born 13 May 1962) is the eleventh Acharya, supreme head of Jain Śvētāmbara Terapanth sect.[2] Mahashraman ji heads all activities functioning under Terapanth organisation, most notably Anuvrat, Preksha Meditation, Jeevan Vigyan (Science Of Living).[3] All the Terapanth sub-organisations, notably Jain Vishva Bharati, Terapanth Mahasabha, etc. are working under the guidance of Acharya Shri Mahashraman.[4][5] Despite being an Acharya of a religious order, his views are liberal and secular. He has a firm conviction to promote nonviolence, moral values and principles.[6][7]

Acharya

Acharya Mahashraman
Jain Swetembar Terapanth's 11th Acharya Mahashramanji
Official nameAcharya Mahashraman
Personal
Born
Mohan Dugar

(1962-05-13) 13 May 1962
Sardarshahar, Rajasthan
ReligionJainism
NationalityIndian
ParentsJhumarmalji and Nemadevi Dugar
SectShvetambara Terapanth
Notable work(s)
  • Anuvrat Movement ,
  • Preksha Dhyan and
  • Tri-Nation Ahimsa Yatra — covering India, Nepal, and Bhutan covering more than 50000 KM on foot (as of 28th Jan 2021) [1]
Religious career
PredecessorAcharya Mahapragya
InitiationMuni Mudit Kumar
5 May 1974
Sardarshahar, Rajasthan
by Mantri Muni Shri Sumermalji (Ladnun)
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Biography

Early life

Acharya Shree Mahashraman Ji was born in Rajasthan on V.S. 2019 (Vaisakha shukla navami) i.e. 3-May 1962 in Sardarshahar, Churu. His parents were Nemadevi and Jhumarmalji. He was the seventh child among his eight siblings. He lost his father at the early age of seven. An unexpected emptiness entered the family. The absence of his father was made up by his mothers's love and affection. She taught him good moral values and gave him right education. As a result, he was inclined towards spirituality and religion.[8][9]

With passage of time, he started getting detached from the material world and started moving towards spirituality. One day, he expressed his feelings to his mother. Mother explained him about this path and said "Oh son! You have chosen the best path, but this path is full of thorns. It is not like enjoying sweet delicious dish, it is a herculean task. It is like chewing iron seed with wax teeth. Before talking about initiation, practice penance and test yourself. Be careful."

Inspite of knowing that it is a difficult path, he did not change his mind. His feeling of detachment increased day by day. As time passed, he expressed his feelings before Acharya Tulsi. At that time Acharya Tulsi was in Delhi to celebrate 2500 years of Tirthankar Mahavira's Nirvana Kalyanaka. Acharya Shri found him capable for initiation and after due investigation, he approved for his initiation in Sardarsahar by Muni Sumermalji.[8]

At the age of 12, he was initated by Muni Sumermalji on Sunday on V.S. 2031 Vaishaka Shukla Chaturdashi i.e. 5 May 1974. His entire life changed after initiation not only externally but also internally. Study of scriptures and practice of meditation became a part of his life. At that time, his daily routine was to refrain from unnecessary talk and to memorize sutras like a machine. He avoided all sorts of deviations and loved being alone. During study period, he learnt various languages like Sanskrit, Prakrit, Hindi and English. Sometimes he stayed with Gurudev and at times had an independent journey too. He continued to stay with Gurudev from Bidasar Maryada Mahotsav, i.e., from Vikram Samvat 2040.[10][9]

Ganadhipathi Gurudev Tulsi was an extraordinary personality. He recognised his capabilities, wanted him to progress and succeeded in making him an outstanding muni and a highly talented personality.

In Vikram Samvat 2042 (1986 A.D.) Maagh shukla saptami (16 February 1986), on the occasion of Maryada Mahotsav in Udaipur, Acharya Tulsi asked him to assist Yuvacharya Mahapragya in his internal works.[8][10]

Spiritual endeavors

In the year Vikram Samvat 2043 Vaishakha Shukla Chaturthi (14 May 1986), on the eve of Akshaya Tritiya, he became group leader in Beawar. "In the year 2046 Bhaadrav Shukla Navami (9th of September 1989), he was appointed as Mahashraman in "Yogakshema Varsha" (keeping knowledge ever expanding).[11] This post was newly inaugurated.[12] He was highly acclaimed after the post of Yuvacharya. In the process of Vikaas Yatra, Mahashraman had proceeded with four independent yatras. First yatra was completed in the year 1990 from February to March which started from Ladnun, Sardarshahar via Dungargarh and ended at Chhoti Khatu.[8][9]

Second independent movement started in the year 1990 from November to December, after Pali Chaaturmas. This Yatra started in Sivaanchi Maalaani and was completed in Sojat road via Rani station on 10 January 1991. After completion of his yatra, Gurudev Tulsi instructed that if he was found leading a luxurious life, he should do meditation for three long hours in standing posture. Muni Mudit was so humble that he at once accepted his orders without complaining.[10]

His third Vikaas yaatra started in the year 1994-1995 on 25 November to 4 January after Delhi Chaturmas in surrounding areas.[8]

His fourth Anuvrat Preksha Yatra started on 17 february 2000, from Taranagar to Ganganagar via Sardarshahar, Dungargarh and ended in Bidasar on 11 June 2000. This Yatra was more effective than the previous ones.[9]

Acharya Shree Mahashraman ji is currently on his Tri-Nation Ahimsa Yatra to advance the cause of non-violence with the aim of promoting harmony and brotherhood, escalating moral values and movement towards de-addiction.It is an endeavor to awaken a new faith in the infinite power of non-violence[13] He has covered more than 42000 KM on foot[14] (as of 2018 till Chennai) in the Yatra which covered three countries (viz. India,Nepal and Bhutan) and 20 states of India.

The Yatra started from the Red Fort, New Delhi, in the year 2014,[15] to Nepal in 2015[16] covering Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, Guwahati in 2016 covering West Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Meghalaya, and Nagaland , Kolkata in 2017[17] covering Orissa, and Andhra Pradesh,[18] Chennai in 2018 covering Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Bengaluru in 2019[19] and Hyderabad 2020.[20][21]

On,28th of January 2021, Acharya Shree Mahashraman, the 11th Acharya of Terapanth Dharmasangha, the pioneer of Ahimsa Yatra, crossed the 50,000 km mark[22] and created a new history by marching through his holy steps.[23] [24]In today's era full of material resources, where there are so many modes of transport, there are arrangements, still keeping the Indian Sage tradition alive,[23] the great philosopher Acharya Shree Mahashramanji is making a continuous march for public service.[22][25]From the figures, this Yatra is 125 times bigger than Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March and 1.25 times more than the circumference of the earth.[26] If a person undertakes such a padyatra, he can travel more than 15 times from the northern end of India to the southern end or from the eastern end to the western end.[23][27]

Even before the start of the Ahimsa Yatra, Acharya Shree Mahashramanji had traveled about 34,000 km on foot for the purpose of self-welfare.[28][25]He has visited Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar , Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh and traveled to Nepal and Bhutan to inspire people to walk on the path of virtue by training meditation, yoga etc., it also paved the way for the sophistication of their misdeeds. [20]Acharya Shree, who emphasized on change of heart, also trained the public through various seminars, workshops during his visit.With his inspiration, millions of people irrecspective of caste, religion and class have accepted the pledge of goodwill, morality and de-addiction in this long non-violence journey.[3][25][29]

Successor to Acharya Mahapragya

In the year Vikram samavat 2054 Aashadha Badi Teej (23. June 1997) Ganadhipathi Gurudev Tulsi unexpectedly expired at Gangashahar in Terapanth Sabha Bhavan. As a result, Acharya Mahapragyaji announched the post of Yuvacharya, in the year Vikaram samvat 2054 Bhaadrva Shukla Baaras (14 September 1997) in the presence of about fifty thousand people. Gurudev announced the name of Mahashraman as the next successor of Terapanth. He was appointed as Yuvacharya of Terapanth . This was appreciated by all the people. At that time, his age was 35.[8][30][9]

On 9. May 2010, Acharya Shri Mahapragya Ji expired in Sardarshahar. Yuvacharya Shri Mahashramana was announced as the 11 Acharya of Terapanth sect. On 23 rd of May 2010, he enthroned officially the post of Acharya amidst a huge audience in Gandhi Vidya Mandir of Sardarshahar.[8][31][32]

Influences

Smt. Pratibha Patil said,

“You are also working for Women development and Environment protection. Greeting your excellent, serene and legislative authorship, we request your cooperation in creating a peaceful society globally.” [33]

He has also received congratulations from Ex-President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherji.[6]

Acharya Shree Mahashraman ji's book "Vijayi Bano" was released by President Pranab Mukherjee on 10 July 2013. The then Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot was also present on that occasion.[34][35]

Impressed with his note worthy efforts, Pacific University conferred him with the title ‘Shantidoot’ ("Ambassador of Peace") [36] at the "World Dharmguru Sammelan" in Udaipur,Rajasthan on May 29. Smt President Pratibha Patil, who graced the occasion with her presence, lauded the efforts of Acharya Mahashraman.[37] Indian Digambar Jain Pilgrimage Committee has adorned him as "Shraman Sanskriti Udgata"[36].[38]

Books
  • Aao Hum Jeena Sikhe (Let’s Learn to Live)[39]
  • Kya Kehta Hai Jain Vangmay[39]
  • Dukh Mukti ka Marg[39]
  • Samvad Bhagwan Se[39]
  • Mahatma Mahapragya[39]
  • Dhammo Mangal Mukhittam[39]
  • Sukhi Bano[39]
  • Adrishya Ho Gaya Mahasurya[39]

See also

References
  1. "आचार्यश्री महाश्रमण ने 50 हजार किमी की पदयात्रा कर रचा इतिहास, जगाई अहिंसा की अलख". Hindustan (in Hindi). Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  2. "Home". www.terapanthinfo.com. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
  3. "Ahimsa Yatra - About". www.ahimsayatra.acharyamahashraman.in. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
  4. "terapanth.com". ww5.terapanth.com. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
  5. "Jain Vishva Bharati". www.jvbharati.org. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
  6. "Message to JVBI". www.jvbi.ac.in. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
  7. Chandar_K. "Acharya Mahashraman". ANUVIBHA. Retrieved 9 December 2020.
  8. Rajendra Kumar, Muni (June 2017). Shashan Shree, Muni Sumermal Sudarshan (ed.). जैन विद्या भाग -1 (PDF). Nagaur: Jain Vishva Bharati. pp. 39–44.
  9. साध्वी, श्री सुमति प्रभा (2011). आचार्य श्री महाश्रमण जीवन परिचय (PDF) (in Hindi). Ladnun (Rajasthan): Jain Vishva Bharati. pp. 5–16.
  10. Tater, Dr Sohan Raj. "Yuvacharya Mahashramana: A Grand and Impressive Personality" (PDF). Parmarthik Shikshan Sanstha, Ladnun (Raj.).
  11. Lodha, Shri Chanchal Mal Sa. "Mahashraman Shri Mudit Kumar". History of Oswals. iprakashan. p. 298.
  12. "The Venerable Life Of Acharya Tulsi - A Mural Painting [6] - PADA-VISARJAN @ HereNow4U". HereNow4U: Portal on Jainism and next level consciousness. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  13. Webdunia. "आचार्य महाश्रमण की अहिंसा यात्रा : इंसानियत की लहलहाती हरीतिमा का आगाज". hindi.webdunia.com (in Hindi). Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  14. "Madhavaram all set for Jain acharya's four-month-long visit". The Hindu. Special Correspondent. 15 July 2018. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 14 December 2020.CS1 maint: others (link)
  15. "अहिंसा ही है सबसे बड़ा धर्म : आचार्य महाश्रमण". Dainik Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  16. "10.09.2014 ►Letter from Prime Minister of Nepal Shree Sushil Koirala to Acharya Shree Mahashraman @ HereNow4U". HereNow4U: Portal on Jainism and next level consciousness. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  17. Dasgupta, Srishti (24 October 2017). "sundeep bhutoria: When all roads led to peace and wisdom". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  18. "Dharmendra Pradhan welcomed Jain Apostle Acharya Mahashraman's Ahimsa Yatra". orissadiary.com. 14 January 2018. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  19. "Ahimsa Yatra: Acharya Sri Mahashramanji to arrive in city on Nov.19". Star of Mysore. 14 November 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  20. "Inspiring through exemplary lives". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  21. "Mysuru to host Terapanth acharya after 50 yrs". Deccan Herald. 14 November 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  22. "धर्म:आचार्य महाश्रमण ने 50 हजार किमी की पदयात्रा कर रचा इतिहास, अहिंसा की अलख जगाने कर रहे देश विदेश में पदयात्रा". Dainik Bhaskar. 29 January 2021. Archived from the original on 29 January 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  23. Dainik, Jagran (28 January 2021). "जैनाचार्य श्री महाश्रमण ने 50 हजार किलोमीटर की पदयात्रा कर रचा इतिहास". Dainik Jagran. Archived from the original on 29 January 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  24. "Acharya Shri Mahashraman did 50 thousand km padyatra". Hindustan 24. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  25. Tiwari, Abhishek (27 January 2021). "आचार्यश्री महाश्रमण ने 50 हजार किमी की पदयात्रा कर रचा इतिहास, जगाई अहिंसा की अलख". Hindustan Live. Archived from the original on 27 January 2021. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  26. "आत्मार्थी की परमार्थ की भावना से पचास हजार किलोमीटर की यात्रा". Thar Express News. 28 January 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  27. "आचार्य महाश्रमण ने रचा अहिंसा यात्रा का स्वर्णिम इतिहास - Ajmernama". Retrieved 30 January 2021.
  28. Bhatnagar, Rajesh (29 January 2021). "आचार्य महाश्रमण ने 50 हजार किमी पदयात्रा कर रचा नया इतिहास". Patrika. Archived from the original on 30 January 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  29. गर्ग, ललि‍त. "अहिंसा यात्रा के प्रणेता आचार्य महाश्रमण". hindi.webdunia.com (in Hindi). Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  30. "Tenth Acharya of Jain Swetembar Terapanth passes away". The Times of India. 10 May 2010. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  31. "11th Head Of Terapanth Acharya Mahashraman To Be Anointed On May 23 @ HereNow4U". HereNow4U: Portal on Jainism and next level consciousness. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  32. "Video ►23.05.2010 ►Acharya Mahashraman Patotsav @ HereNow4U". HereNow4U: Portal on Jainism and next level consciousness. Retrieved 9 December 2020.
  33. "The Golden Present of the Era Acharya Mahashraman". HereNow4u: Portal on Jainism and next level consciousness. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
  34. "11.07.2013 ►Jodhpur ►Acharya Mahashraman Book Vijayi Bano was released by President Pranab Mukherjee @ HereNow4U". HereNow4U: Portal on Jainism and next level consciousness. Retrieved 9 December 2020.
  35. "राष्ट्रपति ने किया महाश्रमण की पुस्तक 'विजयी बनो का विमोचन". Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi). 11 July 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2020.
  36. "Jain Acharya brings message of peace to city". The Shillong Times. 26 November 2016. Archived from the original on 9 December 2020. Retrieved 9 December 2020.
  37. Times, Ahimsa (May 2011). "Acharya Mahashraman to Receive Shantidoot Award" (PDF). Jain Ahimsa Times (May 2011). p. 6.
  38. "Pacific University, Udaipur: Top College/University in Rajasthan, India". www.pacific-university.ac.in. Retrieved 9 December 2020.
  39. "E-Book". www.acharyamahashraman.in. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
  1. "Jain Swetamber Terapanthi Mahasabha". www.jstmahasabha.org. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
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