पुरुषार्थी जीवन के रचेता : आचार्य भिक्षु

Summary

The text details the life and legacy of Acharya Bhikshu, a significant Jain religious figure. Born in Vikram Samvat 1783, he became a monk in 1808 and initiated a religious revolution with his "Abhinishkramana" in 1817. He is noted for selecting his successor and establishing the "Terapanth" order in 1832, a name suggested by a poet based on the number thirteen (terah), referring to thirteen Shravaks and thirteen Sadhus. Acharya Bhikshu passed away in Vikram Samvat 1860. As a child, he was gifted, and in his youth, he and his wife became disenchanted with worldly life. After his wife's death, he decided to become a monk, seeking initiation from Acharya Raghunathji. His mother initially refused permission, citing a dream that he would become a great king, but Acharya Raghunathji convinced her that he would be revered as a monk across the world. After initiation, Acharya Bhikshu became a beloved disciple. However, after eight years, a doctrinal divergence occurred. Acharya Bhikshu felt that practices were straying from true principles. Despite his guru's attempts to maintain their bond, Acharya Bhikshu severed ties, leading to significant opposition. He spent his first Chaturmas in a dangerous location and faced years of hardship, including lack of food and shelter. To establish the new order, he focused on three areas: establishing values (redefining concepts like charity and compassion), organizing the Sangha (centralizing authority and ending the disciple lineage system), and creating literature (composing 38,000 verses in Rajasthani). In his final years, he undertook a fast unto death, giving final instructions to his followers to uphold principles and maintain harmony. He is said to have gained extraordinary knowledge at the end, predicting the arrival of monks and nuns. His life is presented as active and purposeful, with his ideals continuing to guide followers.