Acarya Sant Bhikhan - a biographical sketch

Summary

Early Life and Spiritual Calling : Sant Bhikhan, also called Bhiksu, was born in 1726-27 A.D. in Kantalia, a village in the Marwar state. His parents, Shah Baluji Sanklecha and Dipa Bai, were simple and modest in their way of life. Bhikhan showed leadership qualities early on and was respected by his village, although not much is known about his early life. He married young and had a daughter but was always indifferent to worldly life. His spiritual quest led him to join the Jaina monks from the gacchavasi sect and later the potiabandh monks of the bais sect under Acarya Sri Raghunath. Renunciation and Formation of the Tera-Panth : After his wife's death, Bhikhan decided to renounce worldly life and seek permission from his mother. Despite initial resistance, she granted him permission after a vision that her son was destined for greater things than worldly comforts. Bhikhan was initiated into monkhood by Acarya Raghunath. Over the next eight years, he studied the Jaina scriptures and became disillusioned with the practices of the monks, feeling they deviated from the original texts. A pivotal moment came in Sambat 1815, when Bhikhan was sent to Rajnagar to quell dissent among Raghunath's followers. Bhikhan defended the order but soon realized that the dissenters' concerns were valid. This led to a deep internal conflict, and Bhikhan became determined to reform the order, ultimately breaking away from Raghunath and founding his own sect. The Tera-Panth Sect : Bhikhan and a small group of followers began their own spiritual journey, focusing on truth and righteousness. They eventually formed the Tera-Panth (meaning "Sect of the Thirteen") with 13 followers, marking the beginning of the new sect. Bhikhan’s leadership was characterized by humility, and he was installed as the acarya of the new order with the unanimous support of his followers. He emphasized the quality of followers over numbers and introduced a spiritual community that included both monks and nuns, marking an important evolution in the Tera-Panth sect. Teachings and Legacy : As the acarya, Bhikhan laid down 13 commandments for his followers, emphasizing obedience, respect for the acarya, self-purification, and the importance of unity within the order. He also stressed that differences in interpretation of scriptures should not lead to division. Bhikhan led the order for 44 years, after which he passed away in Sambat 1860, leaving Bharimal, a devoted disciple, as his spiritual successor. Bhikhan's teachings promoted mutual respect and reverence between acaryas and their seniors, a principle that remains a core aspect of the Tera-Panth order to this day. Thirteen Commandments (Summary) : 1. Reverence for Bharimal as the new acarya. 2. Strict obedience to the acarya’s instructions. 3. Disobedient monks should not be regarded as monks. 4. The nomination of Bharimal as the acarya was based on his purity and devotion. 5. Respect for pure monks and separation from the corrupt. 6. Avoid the company of those who violate the Supreme Lord’s order. 7. Promote harmony and avoid factions among monks and nuns. 8. Thorough testing before initiation into monkhood. 9. Patience in resolving scriptural differences. 10. Seek acarya’s approval before establishing views. 11. Non-concern if a few monks leave the order. 12. Habitual obedience to the acarya. 13. Expulsion for monks who indulge in immorality without penance. Poetry : The biography concludes with a reflective verse by Bhikhan emphasizing the significance of sacred deeds over barren actions, symbolizing his lifelong commitment to spiritual truth and righteousness.