Sthānakvāsi and Terāpanthī Samayik are very similar in aim and basic structure. Both are Śvetāmbara, non‑mūrtipūjak traditions, and for both, Samayik = 1 muhurt (about 48 minutes) of equanimity, non‑violence and self‑discipline.

Below is a simple comparison of the usual practical differences. (Details can vary by guru / local maryādā.)

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1. Authority & Discipline

• Sthānakvāsi

- Different sanghs and gurus have their own small variations in Samayik. - No single central Āchārya for the whole sect, so practice can change a bit from city to city.

• Terāpanthī

- Very centralized: one Āchārya for the entire Terāpanth Saṅgh. - Samayik vidhi, timings, rules etc. are usually same everywhere, as per Āchārya’s maryādā. - Discipline in posture, silence, and following the exact sequence is generally very strict.

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2. Texts / Sutras Used

• Common to both

- Basis is the same: Namokār Mantra, Samayik‑sutra, Pratikraman, Pratyākhyān, Kayotsarga etc. - Language mostly Prākrit / Sanskrit with some local‑language explanations.

• Sthānakvāsi

- Use Sthānakvāsi pothīs (books) – order of sutras and some wordings can differ from Terāpanth. - In many places, there is a little more sutra‑pāṭh (recitation) and less guided meditation style.

• Terāpanthī

- Use Terāpanth‑specific pothīs prepared / standardized by the Terāpanth ācāryas. - In the last century, many places include teachings of Āchārya Tulsi, Āchārya Mahāpragya etc. - Often some Prekṣā‑Dhyan style parts (breathing awareness, internal observation) are added or encouraged, especially in longer Samayik / meditation sessions.

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3. Way of Doing Samayik (Practical Style)

• Sthānakvāsi

- Focus on: - Reciting Samayik‑sutra and other avashyak sutras. - Jap (repetition) of Namokār Mantra. - Pratikraman and Pratyākhyān in a traditional style. - Kayotsarga – silent, motionless meditation on the soul. - Meditation is there, but usually less structured “technique‑based” and more simple bhāvnā, jap and stillness.

• Terāpanthī

- Sequence is similar (Namokār, Samayik‑sutra, pratikraman, pratyākhyān, kayotsarga). - Extra stress on: - Systematic posture (āsan), keeping body very steady. - Sometimes Prekṣā meditation elements: awareness of breath, body, thoughts, coloured‑light bhāvnā etc. (as per training). - Very clear rules about not talking, not looking around, not doing any other work during Samayik. - Overall, the style is often felt as more method‑based / structured because everything is laid down by the central Āchārya.

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4. Rules During Samayik

Here, both are almost same in principle:

• No himsā as far as possible.
• No business / worldly talk.
• No food / drink.
• No quarrel, harsh words, or thinking ill of anyone.
• Try to stay in one place, minimal movement.

Minor differences:

• Sthānakvāsi

- Exact do’s and don’ts (e.g., about fan, electricity, etc.) can vary as per local guru’s instructions.

• Terāpanthī

- Rules about electricity, phone, unnecessary movement, talking, etc. are usually very clearly and strictly defined by the Saṅgh. - Because of the strong central discipline, most Terāpanthis will follow almost identical rules.

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5. Essence (Spirit)

• Same in both:

- Samayik is not a sect‑based thing; it is a Jain āvaśyak. - Aim is: - To become sam (equanimous), - To reduce rāg‑dveṣ (attachment & aversion), - To clean past faults (pratikraman), - To take new small vows (pratyākhyān), - And to feel one’s own śuddha ātmā (pure soul).

So, the core of Samayik is identical. The differences are mainly in organization (central vs. local), books used, and style / structure of doing the same fundamental Jain practice.

For a detailed Sthānakvāsi Samayik vidhi in simple form, you can read more here: