संघ का अनुशासन

Summary

The text is a speech by Acharya Tulsi delivered 44 years prior to its publication in February 2000, on the occasion of the Maryada Mahotsav, the highest festival of the Terapanth sect. Acharya Tulsi reflects on the foundational principles of the Terapanth order, established by Acharya Bhikshu. He emphasizes that the sect's strength lies in faith (shraddha) over logic or individual understanding, citing Bhikshu's teaching that if a new directive from the Acharya is not understood, it should be left to the Acharya without argument. He addresses various contemporary issues within the sect. Regarding loudspeakers, he states that lay followers may use them for their needs, but monks must have no involvement in their use. On the topic of a new system for accepting alms (dharana-pranali), he declares it to be non-violent (niravadya) but announces a six-month suspension to allow for reflection and to ensure inner satisfaction for all. He clarifies that monks giving paper for copying scriptures is permissible if it is for learning, not for direct copying. He warns lay followers against interfering in monastic discipline, asserting the purity of the monks' intent. He discusses the Anuvrat movement, describing it as a broad path of human dharma that combats exploitation and accumulation, promoting non-violence, contentment, and restraint as alternatives to a money-centric worldview. He criticizes violence done in the name of peace and advocates for greater support of non-violence. Concluding, he extols the value of discipline (aajna) within the sangha, stating that a disciplined organization is strong, while a lawless one is merely a heap of bones. He praises Acharya Bhikshu for creating a timeless and unchanging code of conduct, noting that the key to all boundaries was placed in the Acharya's hands, granting the current Acharya full authority to modify or expand them. He asserts that a life without boundaries lacks significance and attraction.