Answer

Terapanth and Sthanakvasi are both non-idol-worshipping traditions within the Śvetāmbara Jain tradition. They share many practices, but they differ mainly in organization, discipline, and historical development.

Explanation

Sthanakvasi Jains:

• Do not worship images or idols of Tirthankars.
• Emphasize meditation, scriptural study, samayik, pratikraman, and ethical conduct.
• Worship is generally performed in a sthanak, a simple prayer hall without idols.
• The tradition developed as a reform movement within Śvetāmbara Jainism, emphasizing inner purity over external ritual.
• Sthanakvasi mendicants are organized in several different groups or lineages.

Terapanth Jains:

• Also do not worship idols and are part of the broader non-idol-worshipping Śvetāmbara stream.
• The Terapanth order was founded by Āchārya Bhikshu in the 18th century.
• It is known for very strict discipline and centralized leadership.
• All monks, nuns, and followers are guided under one spiritual head, the Āchārya.
• Terapanth places strong emphasis on obedience to the Āchārya, disciplined conduct, and uniform practice.

Main Differences

• Origin: Sthanakvasi tradition arose earlier as a non-idol-worshipping reform movement. Terapanth later emerged from within the Sthanakvasi background under Āchārya Bhikshu.
• Leadership: Sthanakvasi groups have multiple lineages and leaders. Terapanth has one central Āchārya at a time.
• Discipline: Terapanth is especially known for strict centralized discipline. Sthanakvasi discipline is also serious, but organizationally less centralized.
• Practice: Both reject idol worship, but Terapanth follows a more uniform code under one Acharya-led system.
• Identity: All Terapanthis are non-idol-worshipping Śvetāmbaras, but not all Sthanakvasis are Terapanthis.

Spiritual Understanding

Both traditions emphasize that liberation comes through:

• Right faith
• Right knowledge
• Right conduct
• Self-discipline
• Non-violence
• Inner purification

Their difference is not about the goal of Jain Dharma, but about the way religious discipline and community life are organized.

Takeaway

Sthanakvasi is the broader non-idol-worshipping Śvetāmbara tradition, while Terapanth is a later, highly disciplined branch founded by Āchārya Bhikshu with one centralized Āchārya as its spiritual head.