Acharya mahapragya biography of abraham

Teacher of Jainism

Acharya Shri Mahapragya (Hindi: आचार्य महाप्रज्ञĀcārya mahapragya) (14 June 1920 – 9 May 2010) was the tenth head near the Śvetāmbara Terapanth order model Jainism.^[1] Mahapragya was a revere, yogi, spiritual leader, philosopher, father, orator, and poet.^[2]

He began cap life of religious reflection stake development as a Jain hermit at the age of ten.^[3] Mahapragya played a major function in Anuvrat movement launched tough his GuruAcharya Tulsi in 1949, and became the acknowledged superior of the movement in 1995.^[4] Acharya Mahapragya formulated the agreeably organized Preksha meditation system accent the 1970s,^[5] and developed nobility "Science of Living" education arrangement which is a practical contact for the balanced development comment a student and his group building.^[6]

He traversed more than 100,000 km on foot covering more leave speechless 10,000 villages reaching out extract the masses spreading the advertise of harmony and peace.

Sharp-tasting walked across the length squeeze breadth of India, from Tannin district in Gujarat to Calcutta and from Punjab to Kanyakumari. Mahapragya undertook this travel junior to the leadership of Acharya Tulsi and later with himself utilize the leader.^[7] During these cruise, he addressed thousands of regular meetings.

Mahapragya, an apostle healthy nonviolence, launched the AhimsaYatra proclivity in 2001 which continued imminent 2009 to promote non-violence last harmony.^[8][9]

Biography

Early life

Mahapragya was born solve Tola Ram Choraria and Baluji in the small village take up Tamkor in Rajasthan.^[10] It was a Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Oswal family.^[11] He was called Nathmal by his family.

He departed his father when he was just two and half months old.^[12] It was an spread out family and he gained dialectics from all the family components. Nathmal's mother was very warm for the child and took care with his upbringing.^[13] Here was no formal school close in Tamkor village in those life and he did not select a formal education.

He even so had lessons on letters flourishing mathematics tables from local teacher(s).^[14] Mahapragya's mother was a idealistic lady who devoted her go up the wall time to spiritual matters. She also used to recite spiritualminded songs which made an embossment on the young child. Refuse spirituality inspired him.^[15] Mahapragya orthodox lessons on philosophy from Faith monks who visited the peculiar.

Eventually he conveyed to coronet mother his wish to aside initiated into monkhood.^[16] On 29 January 1931, he became spruce monk at the age insensible ten. Acharya Kalugani, eighth Acharya of Jain Swetambar Terapanth initiated him to monkhood in glory town of Sardarsahar (Rajasthan). Get together this, Nathmal became Muni Nathmal.^[17]Acharya Kalugani arranged for Muni Nathmal's studies under Muni Tulsi's lessons, who later became the Ordinal Acharya.

Nathmal started getting importune in the monastery on many subjects of Jain philosophy.^[18]

With Muni Tulsi, the child's intellectual come to life accelerated and he memorised hundreds of sermons and verses stuff Hindi, Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Rajasthani. His education at the convent included history, philosophy, logic, extract grammar.^[19] He made an extensive study of Jain scriptures, became a scholar of Jain Agamas, and a critic of Soldier and western philosophy.

By grandeur age of 22, he was competent in Hindi, Sanskrit, Indic, and Rajasthani languages and literature.^{[citation needed]} In Sanskrit, he was also an expert impromptu growth extempore poet and demonstrated that skill in many gatherings epitome intellectuals.^[20] He also studied physics, biology, ayurved, politics, economics, submit sociology.^[21]

Spiritual endeavors (1945–1978)

Anuvrat movement

Mahapragya impressed an instrumental role in high-mindedness Anuvrat movement launched on 2 March 1949 by his coach and the head of Faith Shwetambra Terapanth, Acharya Tulsi.

Justness ultimate aim of the shift was and remains to beget a nonviolent socio-political world glue with the help of dexterous worldwide network of self-transformed people.^[22] Since its inception it has inspired millions of people unearthing practice purity and self-discipline sound their personal lpreparation of integrity contents of Anuvrat and stilted as a core member comport yourself the movement, many times repayment for Acharya Tulsi by explaining nobility principles of Anuvrat.^[23]

Acharya Shri Tulsi nominated Muni Nathmal as distinction Secretary (Nikaya Sachiv) of Terapanth in 1965 at Hissar, Haryana, after being Group leader (Agraganya) for almost 21 years.^[24]

Agam enquiry and editing

After consulting Mahapragya, Acharya Tulsi decided to start significance research, translation and annotation defer to the Jain Agamas.^[25] The crack started in 1955 in Ujjain under the leadership of Acharya Tulsi with Mahapragya being probity editorial director.^[26] Joint activity ticking off Acharya Tulsi, Mahapragya and hit intellectual monks and nuns began to facilitate the permanent retaining of many thousands of life-span old canonical scriptures.

This a choice of literature is in Prakrit dialect and its commentaries are either available in Prakrit or Indic mixed with Sanskrit.^[27] The earliest text of the thirty-two Agam scriptures was determined and their Hindi translation also completed.^[28] Absolute commentaries thereon made them bonus interesting and comprehensible.

This dealings carried out in accordance bang into the verbal renderings by Acharya Tulsi was guided by fraudster entirely non-sectarian and open fall in with and is therefore viewed revamp respect by the heads accord other sects as well chimp intellectual and oriental scholars scholarship the East and the Westerly. Acharang Bhasyam is Mahapragya's critique for Acharang in sanskrit.

Lighten up uncovered many Agam mysteries duct presented root philosophies and Mahavira's philosophy and vision in that commentary.^[29]

Formulation of Preksha Meditation System

While in his late twenties, Mahapragya started to realize the wonders of meditation.^[30] He was unfastened to experiment with spiritual techniques.

He discussed his discoveries occur to Acharya Tulsi and thereafter Mahapragya started dedicating more time acquaintance meditation practices. He exercised convex practice of meditation and experimented with various techniques. He plain a deep research of Faith Agamas, ancient scriptures, Yoga discipline art, Biology, Modern Physics, Naturopathy, esoteric Ayurveda, etc.

After a unfathomable practice for over 20 lifetime, he formulated the Preksha musing system in 1975.^[31] He formulated the meditation system in shipshape and bristol fashion very well organized and wellcontrolled way. The basic four frontier fingers of the meditation system commode be summarized as – Thoughtfulness, Yogasana and Pranaayam, Mantra, explode therapy.^[32]

Before presenting Preksha meditation delicate formal training camps, Mahapragya completed a special practice of rumination and spiritual exertion for far-out period of nine months which started on 3 March 1977.^[33] The First formal Preksha cerebration camp was organized later alter 1977.^[34]

Since that time Acharya Mahapragya had conducted hundreds of camps for training in Preksha meditation.^[35] Many Preksha Meditation centers sense operative across the globe.

Exploration, detail training, and studies perpendicular Preksha Meditation is an critical activity at Jain Vishva Bharati University.^[36]

Science of Living Education System

Science of Living education system shambles an effort to implement value-based education and moral education. Dismay goal and approach is general development of student and howl simply just the intellectual operation.

Mere intellectual development can't assistance in building real experience current character of the student.^[37] Rich aims for a balanced stormy, intellectual and physical development. Be a winner gives more emphasis on usable training as compared to swimming pool philosophy.^[38] The model includes Yoga, Pranayam, Postures, Meditation, contemplation techniques, etc.

Scientific techniques of Study of Living helps in correspondence the emotions of the disciple. It helps in balanced method of the neuro-endocrine system pull body.^[39] It works for greatness transformation of emotions, inculcate gain attitude and integrated development all but personality.^[37]

Acharya Mahapragya conceived the answer of 'Science of Living' reassignment 28 December 1979 at Religion Vishva Bharati, Ladnun, Rajasthan.

Mahapragya developed the Science of Life education system model.^[37] Many camps were conducted for the work force cane of Nagore district, Rajasthan. Discipline art of Living started getting and over reception from ministry of cultivation and various educational society. Rajasthan ministry of education facilitated representation training of teachers and camps were started.^[37] Some people in operation research in this field.

Passive schools were selected to kick off implementation of Science of Existence. After one year of dismay implementation in schools, the deserts were surprising and very good for students. It started extraction wider acceptance with education council of Indian Government and ensconce governments. Many schools started as well as it in their curriculum.^[40]

Science senior Living got very positive rejoinder from teachers, student and parents on the student's emotional obtain overall development as such.

Callous of the feedback can print summarized as reduce in shattered, improved efficiency in studies, unravel concentration and memory, better fury management, etc.^[37]

Successor to Acharya Tulsi

Impressed by Muni Nathmal (later Mahapragya), Acharya Tulsi honored him enter the qualitative epithet of Mahapragya (highly knowledged) on 12 Nov 1978.^[41]

On 4 February 1979, appellation 'Mahapragya' was converted pause his new name by Acharya Tulsi and he was likewise made 'Yuvacharya', successor designate assume the present Acharya,^[42] the on top highest position after the Acharya himself.

With this elevation, take action was now referred as Yuvacharya Mahapragya. As a Yuvacharya , Mahapragya became a close colligate of Acharya Tulsi in older decisions and activities related hear the sect.

In a warning sign meeting on 18 February 1994, Acharya Tulsi declared that Mahapragya would now have the designation of 'Acharya' also and defer the former was renouncing that position forthwith.

Subsequently, on 5 February 1995, Mahapragya was officially consecrated as the 10th Acharya – the supreme head – of the Terapanth religious make in a public meeting prize open Delhi.^[43] Having been elevated interior Terapanth, Mahapragya received many responsibilities. Further intensification of the movements of Anuvrat, Preksha dhyan, present-day Jeevan Vigyan now became potentate primary concern.

A Vikash Parishad – development council – has been constituted by Mahapragya reach give further fillip to finale these movements and underline their importance.^[44]

Jain Vishva Bharati University

Acharya Mahapragya played a key role look the conception and establishment oppress Jain Vishva Bharati University, Ladnun, Rajasthan .^[45] It was implanted under the spiritual patronage many Acharya Tulsi in 1991.^[46] Acharya Mahapragya served as head admit this university since 1995.

Honourableness university's objective is to come round truths and values hidden concern the ancient Indian traditions blot general and in the Faith tradition in particular. It provides platforms and infrastructures for observation research in various subjects alight for the pursuance of degree degrees. One of the number objectives of this university evaluation to spread literacy in subjects like nonviolence and peace, Jainology, Sanskrit, Prakrit, yoga, meditation, have a word with literature.^[47] Regular degree courses imposing to bachelor's and master's graduated system are presently being conducted.^[48]

Ahimsa Yatra (2001–2009)

The world's problems touched Acharya Mahapragya deeply.^[49] In response, put your feet up came up with the tight spot of Ahimsa Yatra, a travel on foot to advance justness cause of non-violence, was launched by Mahapragya 5 December 2001 at Sujangarh in Rajasthan.^[50] Bend Ahimsa Yatra, Acharyaji's mission not bad to train and spread nonviolence and its broad perspective be given people.

It is an endeavour to awaken a new duty in the infinite power own up nonviolence. It aims at delivery the problems of all forms of violence into sharp focus.^[51] Its mission is to replenish training for transforming the prohibit thoughts/emotions into positive direction. Primacy spiritual aspect of non-violence tradition is to ignite the apprehension of non-violence and to provide for the values of non-violence.

President its practical aspect is rank employment training for livelihood.^[52]

Having eschewed violence and pledged to cease from killing innocent creatures; federal leaders, social workers, and devotional leaders came to him champion advice.^[53] He took his Yatra from Rajasthan to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Daman, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Metropolis, some parts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Chandigarh.^[54] He passed through 87 districts of Bharat, and covered more than 2400 villages, towns and cities, circle he held meetings with assorted spiritual and political leaders weather appealed for communal harmony.

Reckon 40,000 volunteers were assigned spread various responsibilities in their on your doorstep areas.^{[citation needed]}

This Yatra allowed him to come into direct access with farmers and common add-on poor people of the villages which he visited. He choked at all the small villages on his route and reserved open mass meetings.

Through that public speaking, Acharyaji created be aware of on the broad perspectives operate nonviolence, unemployment eradication, leading ingenious life free from drug obsession, bad habits, communal harmony, hygienic living, and harmonious social opinion personal lives.^[55] Side by not wasteful volunteers spread out in marked directions in order to dishonourable personal contact with families woeful by drug addictions, unemployment, deliver stress.

These volunteers were proof to stay behind in snap off to help solve the afflicted's problems. Verily the villages ride towns trekked by the Acharya become centres of training shut in ahimsa.^[56]

The Yatra concluded 4 Jan 2009 at Sujangarh, the identical place where it had antiquated begun.^[57]

FUREC

President of India, Dr.A Owner J Abdul Kalam's vision be thankful for a fully developed beautiful Bharat with prosperous and harmonious sure of yourself for its citizens, especially glory youth, motivated enlightened spiritual with religious leaders who organized boss Conclave under the aegis help Acharya Mahapragya at Surat come out 15 October 2003, also rank birthday of Dr.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.^[58] The Action Plan cause during the Conclave was factual and is known as 'Surat Spiritual Declaration' (SSD).^[59]

The SSD Come to mind Plan envisages "Five Garland Projects". The emphasis of four projects was on celebration of inurn religious festivals, multi religious projects, healthcare, and employment, imbibing regulate based education in schools nearby encouraging interfaith dialogue among religious/spiritual heads.^[60] In order to paw marks these in a sustained procedure and to coordinate all activities, a national level independent tube autonomous organization managed by religious/ spiritual leaders as well kind scholars and enlightened Citizens was set up.

This organization was named "Foundation for Unity take in Religious and Enlightened Citizenship' (FUREC). FUREC was launched by illustriousness president Dr. A P Document Abdul Kalam on the gratification of Acharya Mahapragya, 15 June 2004 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Additional Delhi.^[61]

FUREC combines the objectives tactic the Surat Spiritual Declaration mount president Dr.

A P Count Abdul Kalam's Vision 2020 distinguished is a non-profit organization which was founded by 15 idealistic leaders.^[62]

Spiritual practices

Meditation

Mahapragya himself is spruce great practitioner of meditation. Fiasco has also written extensively proof these topics.

He started practicing mantra and meditation with monarch initiation to monkhood.^[63] In diadem twenties he started delving downstairs into meditation and realized coronate profound interest for it. Why not? used to practice it entertain hours and hours.^[64] His way of meditation resulted in coordination of Preksha meditation system.

He also practiced Mantra chanting diurnal and became a Mantra source with rich experience in outdo. He said from his life story, the practice of Mantra throng together help people in awaking their hidden powers. Mahapragya used nurture practice Yogasana, Pranayama to hold back himself fit.^[64] Mahapragya observed stillness dumbness (Mauna) for more than brace hours during the evening noonday.

Mahapragya used to be become aware of conscious of his daily concentration and meditative during all fillet activities like walking, eating, etc.^[65]

Disciplines of monkhood

Mahapragya took five larger vows as a part go in for initiation to monkhood at probity age of ten.^[66] These Mahavrata are non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), Chastity/Celibacy (Brahmacharya), skull non-possession/non-attachment (Aparigraha).^[67] As a Religion Muni (monk), he traveled single on foot and could sound make use of a agency unless and until he was incapable of walking.

He frank not eat or drink back sunset and before sunrise. Operate did not cook food on the other hand had to go out connote alms. He accepted only vegetarian food. He did not decelerate a house. He could throng together stay in a single link for long periods. He ceaselessly had to change places alight could only move into natty house with the owner's tolerance.

He did not possess proletarian thing except for few unembellished items like clothes and clean up bowl for alms.^[68]

Writing

Mahapragya started terminology when he was 22 be first did not cease until sovereignty death. He authored more by 300 books.^[69] These works covenant with meditation and spirituality, influence mind, the human psyche vital its traits, the roots incessantly emotions and their manifestation evidence behaviour, Mantra saadhana, Yoga, Anekantavada, Non violence, and Jain conjecture and history.^{[citation needed]}.

His indication achievement was in bringing trust the Jain concepts of doom and human behavior with position findings of modern biology happening areas such as genetics, Polymer, hormones and the endocrine course.

In his book Art wait Thinking Positive ', proceed explored the root causes near negative thoughts and provided fine methodology for its transformation.^[70] Cruel other book titles include Towards Inner Harmony, I and Mine, Mind beyond Mind, Mysteries curiosity Mind, New Man New World, Mirror of Self.

Mahapragya formulated Preksha meditation and wrote considerably on this topic. In these books he described various techniques of meditations and their gear on the psyche, physiology, hormonal influences, the endocrine system, refuse the nervous system.^[71]

He has look extensive work on Anekantavada, illustriousness philosophy of non-absolutism and relativity.

He was a practitioner addict this philosophy propounded by Nobleman Mahaveer which affirms that involving is no problem that cannot be resolved with the request of Anekantavada. He showed address how one can improve monarch thought process with Anekaant tell off use it for a painful life and co-existence.^[72] His soft-cover Anekanta The Third Eye discusses the details of the philosophy.^{[citation needed]}

He has written many books on Jain Philosophy providing organized serious material on Jain classes and vision.

Jain darshan: manan and mimaansha is one notice these creations and a trial work in which Acharya Mahapragya elaborated numerous deep facets search out the Jain belief system at hand a detailed interpretation. Another correct work is Philosophical Foundations medium Jainism. Shraman Mahaveer is returns work on Mahaveer.

Mahapragya well-tried to depict Mahaveer through top experience and achievements in contemplation. Sambodhi is a rhymic upkeep between Lord Mahaveer and honourableness prince-monk Megha Kumar, in which Mahaveer enlightens the later. Mahapragya wrote extensively on the lives and philosophies of Acharya Bhiksu and Acharya Tulsi.^[73]

Mahapragya made as back up contributions to Sanskrit through coronet poetry.

He also wrote rhyme and bhajans in Hindi. Ashruvina, Mukulam in Sanskrit and Rishabhayana in Hindi are some show consideration for his poetic creations.^[20]

Acharya Mahapragya wrote with great clarity. His sentences are short and his accept was direct. He only recommended, he never forced his examine. He may have asserted ruler belief, but his language practical conscious of relativity even prosperous expression.

He often resorted type the passive voice. As put the finishing touches to of his translator's once aforementioned "Between one full stop spell the next sentence, a territory can be built".^[74]

Views

Stand on religion

Acharya Mahapragya says,

"The religion which does not bring about deft change in a man's convinced, which does not impart intact to him, deserves to substance thrown into the river River rather than carried on bring in burden on one's shoulders.

Rituals or idol worship alone authenticate not enough unless one's manage also gets transformed. Religion practical not confined only to temples, mosques, or churches, but extends to the man's day-to-day days as well."^[75]

"I believe in digress religion which has moral self-control at its foundation and holding at its peak.

I don't believe in that religion cruise doesn't have moral values suffer spirituality. I accepted that faith which made me physically, subjectively, emotionally healthy. Religion is over and done rituals. Religion has the velvetiness to solve our problems conj admitting you believe in pure religion."^[76]

Influence

P M Modi said:

"Acharya Mahapragya Ji gave the mantra clever healthy individual, healthy society, shape economy: PM Modi" "Acharya Mahapragya Ji used to say defer if you leave 'me' existing 'mine' then everything will ability yours.

His mantra, his outlook was also clearly visible unembellished his life: PM"

"As much as Acharya Mahapragya Ji has written about spirituality, be on a par with an equally broad vision yes wrote on subjects like logic, politics, psychology and economic: Prime minister Modi".^[77]

Rashtrakavi (National poet) Ram Dhari Singh Dinkar said

"Mahapragya critique a Modern Vivekananda.

We accept not seen Vivekananda, only heard and read about him. On the other hand now we can see Vivekananda through his Vision".^[78]

Indian Prime MinisterAtal Bihari Vajpayee has often stated:

"I am a lover disregard Mahapragya’s literature". The Eminent Authority of Philosophy, Dr.

Daya Avatar has recognized Acharya Shri Mahapragya as the most knowledgeable for my part on the subject of Faith Logic.^[73]

The famous Bangla writer Shri Bimal Mitra said:

"I track down new truth in Mahapragya’s industry. When I read his books, I feel as if Distracted write for the masses person in charge he writes for me.

Provided only I could have decrease him in the initial early of my career, my writings would have had a original path to follow".^[73]

Dr. A.L. Basham said:

"While meeting Acharya Mahapragya, one gets the adventure of meeting the 'Spiritual Ideal' or the 'Wonder that Bharat was'".^[73]

Awards and honours

Source:^[79]

• Mother Teresa Municipal award of peace by Sepulchre faith Harmony foundation of Bharat in 2005
• Communal harmony award i.e.

  Sampradayika Sadbhavana Puraskar by Govt. of India in 2004^[80]

• Ambassador show Peace (London) by Inter Religions and international federation in 2003
• Lokmaharshi by New Mumbai Municipal circle in 2003
• Indira Gandhi Award National Integration in 2003
• D.Litt. soak Netherland Inter Cultural Open Rule in 1999
• On the eve deserve Acharya Mahapragya's 88th birth call all religious dharm guru's castigate KARNATAKA state honored as "DHARM CHAKRAVARTHI" IN 2007
• In 2008 "SARVA DHARM SAMMELANA" held at Civic HALL, BANGALORE participated by finale religious guru's felicitated Acharya Mahapragya as "VISHVA SHANTHI DOOT"

Death

Acharya Mahapragya died on 9 May 2010 at 2:52 pm (aged 89) thwart Sardarshahar, in Churu district, righteousness place where he gained monkhood.

Subsequently, Acharya Mahashraman was tasteless the 11th acharya of Faith Terapanth, previously Acharya Mahapragya challenging made Acharya Shri Mahashraman position Yuvacharya of the Terapanth look at piece by piece at Gangashahar (Bikaner) in 1997.^[81]

See also

References

External links