Dev Dravya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dev Dravya" in English:

Book Title: Dev Dravya (Devotional Wealth/Property) Author(s): Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha Publisher: Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha Publication Year: 195 (Samvat 1941) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/011622/1

This document is a booklet published by the Shri Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha, containing a speech on the topic of "Dev Dravya" (wealth or property dedicated to the Jain faith, typically for temples, idols, or religious purposes). The speech was originally delivered in Samvat 1941 (195 CE) and subsequently published with additions and revisions.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Establishment of the Sabha:

   • The booklet begins by explaining the context for establishing religious societies in India, which became more prevalent after the advent of British rule.
   • The "Shri Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha" was founded on a specific auspicious day in Samvat 1907 (195 CE) with the aim of promoting Jainism and undertaking religious activities that are difficult for individuals to accomplish alone.
   • The Sabha emphasizes that the name "Jain Dharm" should be lived up to through actions like studying religious texts, teaching others, adhering to vows, guiding others, and actively participating in religious endeavors. The opposite, mere membership without action, would be a "childish assembly."

2. Activities of the Sabha:

   • The Sabha has been active since its inception, publishing books like "Subhashit Stavanaavali" (two parts).
   • They are currently printing "Samkit Sodhar," a work by Maharaj Shri Atmaramji with additions by Maharaj Shri Vriddhichandji.
   • A library has been established to collect all published Jain books, encouraging community members to read and follow the right path.
   • Sabha members actively participated in religious events like "Samavasaran" and frequently hold public gatherings for speeches on various topics.
   • Members also engage in personal study and strive to educate young children.
   • The Sabha participates in the activities of the Anandji Kalyanji firm, indicating their involvement in broader Jain community affairs.
   • The members are dedicated to fulfilling the Sabha's purpose with their body, mind, and wealth.

3. Financials and Support:

   • The Sabha has a modest fund, with 20 members contributing an annual fee of Rs. 60, which covers expenses like rent.
   • Despite facing occasional difficulties, the Sabha has not incurred any actual losses, attributing this to the principle of "Truth alone triumphs."
   • The Sabha acknowledges the significant contribution of Maharaj Shri Vriddhichandji in its establishment and continuous support.
   • They also express gratitude to the prominent members of the local Sangha (community) for their favor and continuous support.

4. The Core Issue: Dev Dravya Mismanagement and Corruption:

   • The central focus of the speech and the booklet is the grave issue of Dev Dravya (sacred wealth) being misappropriated.
   • The speech highlights that old employees of the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi (firm) in various locations (Palitana, Chhapaiyali, Rohishala, Chigda, Bhavnagar) have engaged in significant misappropriation, effectively "consuming" or "eating" the Dev Dravya.
   • This issue is causing considerable discussion in cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Bhavnagar, with community leaders determined to bring the culprits to justice.
   • The text quotes scriptural references that condemn those who consume Dev Dravya, labeling them as highly sinful and immoral.

5. Causes of Dev Dravya Mismanagement:

   • The booklet lists several reasons for the deterioration of Dev Dravya:
     • Economic Downturn: When a community's economic condition weakens, and there are no well-off individuals to oversee sacred wealth, it is prone to mismanagement.
     • Negligence of Trustees/Leaders: Prominent individuals becoming figureheads without proper oversight, allowing a single administrator to mismanage assets, leading to negligence and lack of accountability.
     • Obstruction to Honest Administrators: Honest administrators who try to identify issues or seek help are often ignored or threatened, leading them to leave or make mistakes due to a lack of support or obstruction.
     • Patronizing Wrongdoers: Criticizing or undermining honest individuals while praising or supporting those who cause damage or mismanagement.
     • Ignoring Scriptures: Despite detailed scriptural guidance on the management, use, growth, and protection of Dev Dravya, individuals often act selfishly and carelessly, wasting time in idle talk instead of implementing proper practices.

6. Scriptural Guidance on Dev Dravya:

   • The text extensively quotes from various Jain scriptures to illustrate the importance of protecting Dev Dravya and the severe consequences of its misuse. Key scriptures and their teachings include:
     • Saravali: Protection of Jinavihara (temples) or Dev Dravya yields infinite merit, far more than worship, making images, or building temples.
     • Shraddh Vidhi: Emphasizes the need for a system of checks and balances with at least four individuals involved in managing charitable funds. Large withdrawals require the presence of two to three people.
     • Vivek Vilas: Dev Dravya should not be lent to individuals. Interest should be earned from assets like gold, silver, or land. Assets held as collateral for Dev Dravya should not be in the name of a single person to prevent its erosion.
     • Shraddh Jita Kalpa: Even for a small amount like one rupee, if it's from the temple's reserve, it shouldn't be taken without a third person present. This applies even to house temples.
     • Dravya Shatari: Prohibits increasing Dev Dravya through low-value trade or by lending to undesirable individuals. It also cautions against lending to lay followers (Shravaks) as recovery might be difficult due to social shame.
     • Guidance on Monks: Dev Dravya should not be entrusted to monks or ascetics (Jati, Muni) as they are forbidden from touching or managing wealth. Doing so is a violation of their vows and the Shravak's duty.
     • Construction and Maintenance: Pious Shravaks should use their wealth to build temples, dharmashalas, libraries, etc., and ensure their proper management and upkeep. Those who manage it should do so with integrity, but if they gain control through their position, they might misuse it if their financial situation deteriorates, leading to ruin in this life and the next.
     • Recovery of Dues: If someone owes Dev Dravya, efforts should be made to recover it. If the person is unable to pay due to circumstances, they might be forgiven or a pious Shravak can pay for them. However, those who refuse to pay despite having the capacity should be punished and deterred from such behavior.
     • Symbolic Teaching: Even accepting food from someone who owes Dev Dravya is discouraged; the cost of such a meal should be donated to the temple.

7. Illustrative Story of Sagar Shresthi:

   • A detailed narrative is provided about Sagar Shresthi, a devout Shravak who was entrusted with managing temple wealth.
   • He succumbed to greed and instead of giving cash to artisans, he provided them with goods like grains, jaggery, ghee, oil, and clothes, keeping the profit for himself.
   • This act led to his rebirth as a sea creature (Jalchar), followed by immense suffering through multiple rebirths in hells and as various animals.
   • The story illustrates the extreme negative consequences of even a small misappropriation of Dev Dravya, highlighting the cyclical nature of suffering caused by such actions.
   • Ultimately, through severe penance and following the guidance of a monk, Sagar Shresthi managed to atone for his sin by dedicating a thousand times the amount he had misappropriated back to Dev Dravya. This path eventually led him to earn Tirthankar (one who leads others to liberation) karma and attain Moksha (liberation).

8. Conclusion and Call to Action:

   • The booklet concludes by reiterating the immense importance of protecting Dev Dravya, especially for the prestigious Shatrunjaya Tirth, which is considered paramount among all Tirths.
   • It emphasizes that acquiring the opportunity to serve such a sacred Tirth requires great merit. Even celestial beings desire such service.
   • All Shravaks are urged to actively contribute their body, mind, and wealth to protect Dev Dravya, rectifying past misappropriations and preventing future ones.
   • The text also clarifies that the responsibility of protecting Dev Dravya is not solely for the wealthy; everyone has a duty according to their capacity.
   • It stresses the importance of listening to and understanding religious scriptures to gain the "eyes of Jinavachan" (words of the Jinas) and act righteously.
   • The human birth is compared to a "Chintamani" gem (wish-fulfilling jewel), and wasting it on non-religious activities is likened to throwing away such a precious gem.
   • The ultimate goal is to achieve liberation, and Dev Dravya protection is a crucial step in that journey.

In essence, "Dev Dravya" is a powerful sermon and educational text that addresses a critical issue of financial probity within the Jain community. It serves as both a warning against the misappropriation of sacred wealth and a guide on the scriptural basis for its proper stewardship, highlighting the severe spiritual repercussions of its misuse and the immense spiritual rewards of its diligent protection.