|
|
| Acharya Mahapragyaji (1920 - ) |
|
|
 Acharya Mahapragyaji is the 10th Acharya of the Terapanthi a sub sect of Svetambar one of the two main traditions of Jainism. He was the successor-designate of Acharya Tulsi who in 1978 conferred on Acharya Mahapragya the title “Mahapragya”, the Great Seer, in recognition of his limitless wisdom. Then on February 4th 1979 at Ralaidesar he again nominated him as his successor-designate, at this time his name was changed to Mahapragya or Yuvacharya Mahapragya. [1] Acharya Tulsi also conferred on him the epithet of Jain-Yoga Punaruddharka in recognition of his unique researches in the field of Jain Meditation and Yoga. Mahapragya had for many years lived an ascetic meditative existence delving deep into the psychic. He later developed the ‘Prekshadhyan’ procedure for the spiritual and moral development of the individual. This process aims to bring spirituality and science together, Prekshadhyan has proved unique for the wholesome development of an individual’s inner consciousness and outer personality. Preksha Meditation is the combination of knowledge from our ancient religious books, modern science and our experience. [2] On February 18th, 1994 at Suiangarh he became the 10th Acharya of the Terapanthi sect. Acharya Mahapragya has a reputation for being a pragmatic thinker, preceptor and a blender of spirituality and science. In 2003, Mahapragya Ji received the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration. In 2005, he received the Communal Harmony Award by the Government of India. For his contribution to communal harmony and unity. Mahapragyaji is said to have walked over 100,000 km by foot and to have written over 150 books. [3] |
Date of Birth: 14 Jun, 1920
Location: India
State: Rajasthan
|
Views: 398
Summary
Acharya Mahapragya was born on June 14th 1920 in the small village of Tamkor in the Jhunjhanun district of Rajasthan. He was given the name Nathmal, when he was 6 weeks old his father died. Whilst still young he and his mother meet Acharya Shree Kalugani whose personality was to have a deep impact on the young Nathmal and his mother. He and his mother pleaded to be accepted eventually they became students. In 1930 at the age of ten Nathmal became a monk and Acharya Shree Kalugani became his teacher. In the 1950s, Acharya Mahapragya met Acharya Shri Tulsi for the first time. From the beginning a strong attachment was formed. In 1955, Acharya Shri Tulsi nominated Acharya Mahapragya as the Chief Secretary of Terapanth. Acharya Shri Tulsi became his spiritual mentor on his direction he undertook an intensive study of Jain ‘Agam’ scriptures and an in-depth study of meditation practices. [1][3] Submitting himself to many trials and long periods of seclusion he gradually reached an understanding of how he could systematize these meditative processes in a way that could be more scientific. On March 3rd 1977, when Mahapragya, was about to undertake a long period of meditative seclusion, Acharya Tulsi wrote to him “this experiment is not yours alone but mine also as also of the Sangh (Sect). The whole Sangh will be benefited by it.” By diving deep into the depths of contemplation, Mahapragya has supplied us with many a jewel. ‘Chaitanya Kendra Preksha’ – perception of psychic centers – and ‘Leshyadhyan’ – perception of psychic colors – procedures of Prekshadhyan are the fruits of innate vision. Albert Einstein was once asked how he invented the Theory of Relativity. His spontaneous reply was that it had just happened to him and he could not say how it happened. The thinking goes that one can think, ponder and deliberate upon a particular subject, issue or problem and not always find a solution. But if you leave that problem alone and then, suddenly during a meditation a crystal clear solution can be found. This is said to be possible only when one transcends the realm of mind or intellect and enters the realm of intuition which is an innate faculty of ones own consciousness or rather psyche. His final work has become known as the Prekshadhvan process. Over the years many thousands of people from all castes, religions and backgrounds have taken his training many benefiting from his wisdom. On February 18th 1994 at Sujangarh, Acharya Shri Tulsi announced the relinquishment of his post as Acharya and appointed Yuvacharya Mahapragya as his successor-designate. Later on, in a glorious function at Delhi, held on 5th February 1995, he formally consecrated him as the tenth Acharya of Terapanth. Today, Acharya Mahapragy continues his work in the field of meditation, science, education and the science of living.
References:
1. Acharya Mahapragya – A Living Legend – website – http://www.here-now4u.de/ENG/acharya_mahapragya_-_a_living_.htm
2. Preksha Meditation – Website - http://www.preksha.com/
3. Acharya Shri Mahapragya – website - http://www.terapanthinfo.com/
Related Links:
jainsadhu.com/vidyasagarji/main.htm
www.vidyasagar.net/acharyashri/default.htm
www.preksha.com/
www.terapanthinfo.com/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
