Yati — Mediated Wiki

{{Short description|Jain scholar}} {{distinguish|Yeti}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}} {{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}} '''Yati''', historically was the general term for a monk or pontiff in Jainism.<ref>{{cite book|title=Mãrg, Volume 35, Issues 1-2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PMrWAAAAMAAJ|year=1983|page=68|publisher=Marg Publications|quote=In sharp contrast there is also a painting in Hampi of a yati or a pontiff being taken in a procession in a palanquin.}}</ref>

== Jainism == In the late medieval period, yati came to represent a stationary monk, who lived in one place rather than wandering as required for a Jain monk.<ref>Jain Yati Parampara, Agarchand Nahta, Kesarimalji Surana Abhinandan Granth, 1982, p. 71-78</ref> The term was more common for the Śvētāmbara monastics, but was also used by the Digambaras. The term has also been occasionally for ascetics from other traditions.<ref>http://dictionary.buddhistdoor.com/en/word/91233/yati {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407065345/http://dictionary.buddhistdoor.com/en/word/91233/yati |date=7 April 2014 }} Buddhist Dictionary</ref>

Some scholars married and were termed ''sansari yati''<ref>The A to Z of Jainism Kristi L. Wiley, Scarecrow Press, Jul 16, 2009, p. 240</ref> or mahātmās.<ref>[http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/ttp/ramayana/accessible/pages21and22.html#content "Ramayana - Pages 21 and 22"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005125414/https://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/ttp/ramayana/accessible/pages21and22.html#content |date=5 October 2022 }}. The colophon in red states that the text was written by the Mahatma Hirananda.</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/39020000393960-thedabistanorsc?sequence=2 ''The Dabistán: Or, School of Manners: The Religious Beliefs, Observances, Philosophic Opinions and Social Customs of the Nations of the East''], Fānī Muḣsin, translated by David Shea, Anthony Troyer, M. Walter Dunne, 1901, p. 275-276</ref>

Some ruling dynasties in Rajasthan had a close relationship with yatis.<ref>[http://www.ignca.nic.in/coilnet/rj002.htm पुरालेखा स्रोत, राहुल तनेगारिया, कतिपय जैन यति भी राज परिवारों की वंशावलियां रखते थे। खरतरगच्छ के जैन यति मारवाड़ राजवंश के कुलगुरु माने जाते थे।]</ref> Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak mentions that yatis were invited to participate in the discussion on religions.<ref>,अकबर और तत्कालीन भारत, Ed. Irfan Habib, Rajkamal Prakashan Pvt Ltd, 2009 p. 104</ref>

The stationary yatis often managed institutions and properties. Some of their residences are termed ''jatiji'' in their memory.<ref>[http://dainiktribuneonline.com/2012/08/भाग्योदय-संस्कार-शिविर-व/ भाग्योदय संस्कार शिविर व रक्षाबंधन पर्व आयोजित, August - 2 - 2012, रोहतक, 2 अगस्त (हप्र)। झज्जर रोड पर स्थित जैन जतीजी में जैनाचार्य गुप्तिनन्दी जी गुरुदेव ने रक्षाबंधन के पर्व पर 15 वर्ष से ऊपर की आयु के सैकड़ों गुरुभक्तों को भाग्योदय के संस्कारों से संस्कारित किया]</ref>

With the re-establishment of orders of wandering (''{{lang|hi|samvegi}}'') monks since late 19th and early 20th century, the number of yatis have declined significantly.<ref>''The Penguin Handbook of the World's Living Religions'', Penguin UK, Mar 25, 2010</ref><ref>''People of India: Rajasthan'', K. S. Singh, Popular Prakashan, Jan 1, 1998 p. 991-994</ref>

===Shripujya=== The heads of the institutions of Śvetāmbara yatis were often termed shripujya,<ref>''Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency'', Volume 9, Part 1, Bombay (India: State), Government Central Press, 1901, p. 109</ref> similar to Digambara institutions headed by the Bhattarakas. Only a celibate yati could become a shripujya. They have now been replaced by acharyas who head orders of wandering monks.

== Yati – Naam ka Arth (Meaning of the Name Yati) == The name ''Yati'' is of '''Sanskrit origin''', rooted in the traditions and philosophical underpinnings of '''Hindu dharma'''. Derived from the root "yat," meaning "to strive" or "to make an effort," ''Yati'' traditionally refers to one who is '''disciplined''', '''dedicated''', and often associated with ascetics or sages (''tapasvis'') who have renounced worldly attachments in pursuit of higher spiritual goals.

In a more contemporary context, children bearing the name ''Yati'' are often perceived as '''resilient''', '''keenly observant''', and naturally drawn towards '''introspective and philosophical''' dimensions of life. They possess a '''calm, wandering disposition''', often described as ''nirmal'' (serene) yet '''inquisitive''', with a desire to explore meanings beyond the surface.

Individuals with this name are also said to '''strive for perfection''' in their pursuits, often setting high standards for themselves in every endeavor. This relentless inner drive, combined with their composed nature, makes them inclined towards '''creative thinking''', '''spiritual depth''', and '''analytical clarity'''. Their journey is often marked by a quiet determination to harmonize the ''bhautik'' (material) with the ''adhyatmik'' (spiritual).

===Prominent Jain yatis=== * Yativṛṣabha, 500-570 * Rajendrasuri who was initiated as a yati and later helped transform the Śvetambara Mūrtipūjaka tradition in 1880. * Yati Lavaji, the founder of the Sthānakavāsī sect about 1653 * Yati Yatanlal, (1894-1967) freedom fighter. There is an award named after him.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140407070531/http://www.bhaskar.com/article/MAT-CHH-OTH-c-16-556869-NOR.html महासमुंद में बनने लगा जयपुर कृत्रिम हाथ,, Matrix News, Aug 05, 2013, मुख्य अतिथि श्री मालू ने कहा के यति यतनलाल समाज सेवी होने के साथ साथ एक स'चे देशभक्त थे. बचपन से समाज सेवा, देश सेवा में रूचि रखने वाले यति जी ने १७ जुलाई १९७६ में श्री विवेकवर्धन सेवा आश्रम की स्थापना कर आश्रम परिसर में सर्व सुविधायुक्त निशुल्क अस्पताल का शुभारंभ किया]</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

Category:Asceticism Category:Jain monasticism Category:Titles and occupations in Hinduism