Answer

The Barwala Sampraday is a tradition within the Sthanakvasi Jain community.

Sthanakvasi Jains are a branch of the Śvetāmbara Jain tradition. They are known for:

• Not worshipping idols or images
• Emphasis on meditation, samayik, pratikraman, pravachan, and inner purity
• Worship and devotion focused on the qualities of Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, and Sadhu
• Gathering in a sthanak rather than a temple with idols

Explanation

The word Sthanakvasi means those who practice in a sthanak, a simple prayer hall. Unlike Murtipujak Śvetāmbar Jains, Sthanakvasi Jains do not perform idol worship. Their religious practice focuses more on:

• Listening to discourses of Jain monks and nuns
• Practicing non-violence, truth, self-control, and detachment
• Reciting Jain sutras and prayers
• Observing tapasya such as upvas, ayambil, ekasana, etc.

The Barwala Sampraday is one of the sampradays or lineages followed by some Sthanakvasi Jains. Different Sthanakvasi groups may have their own guru-parampara, local history, and traditions, while still following the broader Jain principles of ahimsa, aparigraha, self-discipline, and liberation of the soul.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, the outer form of worship may differ between traditions, but the central goal remains the same:

• Purification of the soul
• Reduction of karma
• Practice of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct
• Progress toward moksha

Takeaway

Barwala Sampraday Sthanakvasi refers to a lineage within the Sthanakvasi Śvetāmbara Jain tradition, emphasizing non-idol worship, inner devotion, discipline, and the teachings of Jain Dharma.