Amrut Sarita Athva Ayogya Diksha Uper Drushtipat - Book Summary

This Jain text, titled "Amrut Sarita Athva Ayogya Diksha Uper Drushtipat" (Amrut Sarita or A Look at Unsuitable Initiation) by Mahasukhbhai Chunilal, published by Mahasukhbhai Chunilal in 1930, is a social novel critiquing the inappropriate practices surrounding Jain religious initiation (Diksha).

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Core Theme: The book addresses the growing concern within the Jain community about "ayogya diksha" or unsuitable initiations. The author argues that a lust for increasing the number of disciples has led some Jain ascetics (munis and acharyas) to compromise the sanctity and rigor of the initiation process. This leads to individuals not truly qualified joining the monastic order, resulting in their moral corruption, the corruption of others, and a tarnishing of the reputation of the monastic institution as a whole.

Key Arguments and Observations:

Problem of Unsuitable Initiation: The text highlights that certain Jain acharyas and munis, driven by a desire to expand their followers, have degraded the sacred process of Diksha. This results in unqualified individuals becoming ascetics, leading to moral decay, the spread of negative influences, and bringing disrepute to the entire monastic order and the Jain community.
Sorrow and Conflict: The author expresses deep sorrow over the state of affairs, noting that the situation has created widespread unrest and conflict within the Jain society, making the atmosphere increasingly contentious.
Historical Concerns and Resolutions: The book references a significant Sadhu Sammelan (gathering of ascetics) held in Vadodara on June 13, 1912 (Samvat 1968). This gathering passed resolutions, including:
- Resolution 20: Requiring a minimum one-month examination period for potential initiates and mandatory notification to parents and relatives via registered post.
- Resolution 23: Condemning the practice of pursuing disciples against the prevailing social norms and times, which leads to disrespect for the teachings and difficulties for the monks. It expressed strong disapproval of such practices and warned of consequences from the acharya for those who engage in them.
Continued Malpractice Despite Resolutions: Despite these resolutions and the concerns raised by thoughtful acharyas and munis, the book laments that some acharyas and munis continue to conduct unsuitable initiations, sowing seeds of discord.
Societal Response: In response to these issues, various 'Yuvak Sanghs' (youth organizations) and community groups have been established in cities and villages. These groups are actively working to address the conduct of the ascetics and are attempting to enforce regulations regarding Diksha. The book mentions a resolution passed by the Thirteenth Jain Vethamber Conference in Junar in Samvat 1986 (1930 CE).
Widespread Concern: The author points out that the first president of the All India Young Men's Jain Society, in a meeting in Surat in Samvat 1986 (1930 CE), openly acknowledged the internal conflict and the increasing number of independent, undisciplined ascetics, with some fallen sadhus preaching unrighteousness in the name of religion.
Undeniable Corruption: The text asserts that both sides of the issue admit to the presence of corruption among some ascetics, making it an undeniable fact. The monastic order has been issuing warnings since 1912 (Samvat 1968). The core question remains: how to eradicate this decay – by suppressing it or bringing it into the open?
Impact of Corruption: Since ascetics are considered leaders and guides, their corruption is seen as a contagious disease that affects the entire monastic order and the Jain society.
Author's Disappointment: Mahasukhbhai Chunilal expresses regret that some acharyas and munis, ignoring the principle of "truth is mine" and clinging to their own stubbornness, disregard the resolutions of the Sadhu Sammelan. Driven by malice and a craving for disciples, they continue the practice of unsuitable initiation under the guise of religion. This is supported by superstitious and hypocritical devotees who not only tolerate but encourage this decay.
Consequences of Unsuitable Initiation: The book lists numerous incidents and court cases stemming from unsuitable initiations, including the Bai Ratan case, the Kutra Prakaran case, cases involving Bai Lilavati, Bai Mena, Jain disputes in Jamnagar, Jayvijay's remarriage and autobiography, cases of sadhus leaving their vows and confessing their fallibility, cases involving minors in Vadodara, legal cases against sadhus in Mumbai, disputes in Patan, and conflicts in Surat and Chhapai. Magistrates have often made critical remarks in court decisions about unsuitable initiations and those who promote them.
Purpose of the Novel: To vividly portray the reality of unsuitable initiation and its potential dire consequences, the author conceived the idea of writing this novel. He has been writing articles on this topic in public newspapers, particularly in Mumbai's 'Sanjvartman', for about four years. However, to provide readers with a lasting reference and to highlight the hidden and emerging issues, this novel format was chosen.
The Novel's Structure and Characters: The novel features "Amrut" and "Sarita" as a husband and wife, who are the protagonists. The title itself, "Amrut Sarita" (Nectar River), symbolizes the author's hope of cleansing the current issues with the "nectar" of his narrative, while "Ayogya Diksha Uper Drushtipat" (A Look at Unsuitable Initiation) directly states the subject. The book includes a map of the fictional region, a list of main characters, and a detailed chapter-wise breakdown.

Specific Incidents and Themes Introduced Early On:

Chapter 1: Conversation in the Garden: Introduces characters like Chandrakumar and Rasiklal, discussing the prevailing social issues. Chandrakumar receives a letter about Sarita, an orphan girl whose mother has recently passed away. Sarita's father died earlier from tuberculosis, leaving her in a vulnerable state. Chandrakumar's father is looking after her, and there's a potential arranged marriage with Amrutkumar.
Chapter 2: Loving Philanthropic Couple: Rasiklal and Malati, a couple who are socially conscious and involved in community work, discuss the "Prajapokar" newspaper which is exposing the "unfitting initiation practices." They encounter a missing boy's notice and express their dismay and anger at the way sadhus are allegedly involved in such activities. Malati suggests forming a women's organization to address these social issues.
Chapter 3: Watson Trading Company Office: Chandrakumar, working as a chief clerk in an English trading company, discusses the arrival of Acharya Suryavijayji, known for causing discord, and the planned welcome ceremony by the Jain community. Chandrakumar expresses his concern about the perceived corruption among some sadhus and the lack of action from their gurus.
Chapter 4: Mahajan Sabha (Assembly of Merchants): The community gathers for an "Atthai Utsav" (eight-day festival) to honor Acharya Suryavijayji. There's a plan for a grand welcome, including a procession and initiations. Dharamchand, a devout follower of Suryavijayji, proposes the festivities and mentions the potential initiation of a young married woman named Chaturaa. Concerns are raised about the husband's consent for Chaturaa's initiation.
Chapter 5: Riverside Outing and News of Initiation Sacrifice: The story shifts to a riverside outing where the characters discuss the controversial Diksha practices further. News about Shashi Kant, a young man being lured into Diksha against his family's wishes, is revealed through a newspaper article. This highlights the tragic aspect of Diksha, where individuals are sometimes sacrificed for the desires of ascetics.

Overall Message: The book aims to awaken the Jain community to the critical state of their monastic institution due to unsuitable initiations and to urge them to take action for reform. It highlights the need for integrity, adherence to principles, and genuine spiritual seeking, rather than succumbing to personal desires or societal pressures. The author uses the narrative of a novel to expose these societal ills and inspire a positive change.

Key Takeaway: The novel serves as a stark warning and a call to action against the misuse of religious authority and the erosion of spiritual values within the Jain community due to improper initiation practices. It emphasizes the importance of genuine spiritual inclination over worldly desires and the need for transparency and accountability in religious institutions.