Terapanth and Sthanakvasi
Topic: Buddhism, Jainism and Heterodox Traditions · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Sthanakvasi and the Terapanth are two later sub-sects of the Shvetambara ("white-clad") Jainas. Both reject image worship. They do not worship idols in temples. Instead, they focus on the monk's teaching and on strict ethical conduct. The Sthanakvasis grew out of an earlier reform movement and became a separate group in c. the 17th century. The name means "those who live in sthanakas" (simple prayer halls), not temples. The Terapanth broke away from the Sthanakvasis. They show that Jainism kept changing and reforming itself long after Mahāvīra.
Example
Acharya Bhikshu founded the Terapanth in 1760 in Rajasthan. Later, in 1949, its leader Acharya Tulsi started the Anuvrat movement. It asked people of every faith to take "small vows" of honesty, non-violence and simple living.
Don't confuse with
- Murtipujaka Shvetambaras: they are also Shvetambaras, but they do worship images in temples.
- Digambaras: this is the other main Jaina branch, whose monks go unclothed. The Terapanth and the Sthanakvasis are both Shvetambara groups.
Related concepts
- Jainism
- Tirthankara
- Rishabhanatha
- Parshvanatha
- Mahavira
- Kevala jnana
- Ahimsa
- Karma
- Five vows of Jainism
- Aparigraha