Dev Dravyano Prashna

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dev Dravyano Prashna" by Ratilal Mafabhai Shah, published in "Prabuddha Jivan" on August 1, 1948:

The article "Dev Dravyano Prashna - Kalbalni Endhani" (The Question of Dev Dravya - A Sign of the Times) by Ratilal Mafabhai Shah, published in the Mumbai Jain Youth Association's fortnightly mouthpiece "Prabuddha Jivan," discusses the evolving concept and use of "Dev Dravya" (funds or wealth dedicated to God or religious purposes) within Jainism.

Core Argument: Religion's Origin and Purpose

The author begins by tracing the origin of religion back to the time of Lord Mahavir and even earlier. In the era of "Yugalikas" (a primal age), there was no inequality, no caste, no distinction between high and low, no religion, and people lived in happiness. Religion, the article posits, emerged when societal inequalities and suffering arose as a means to foster societal well-being. This is supported by the concept that religion was established to mitigate societal disharmony. Lord Mahavir himself referred to asceticism and devotion as service, suggesting that true devotion is rooted in the betterment of society.

The Emergence and Evolution of Dev Dravya

The article suggests that the concept of "Dev Dravya" and the elaborate practices surrounding it, such as adornment (aangi), crowns, and processions, gained prominence with the rise of the devotional path ("bhaktimarg") in later times. In the initial stages of religious development, when societal harmony prevailed, such specific concepts of dedicated wealth were not as prevalent.

Strict Regulations and the Spirit of Renunciation

The author highlights the strict regulations concerning the use of "Dev Dravya" and interprets them as a testament to the fact that even in earlier times, people were not entirely free from self-interest. The strictness of these rules, to the extent that even a single brick misplaced in one's home could lead to immense sin, indicates a concern for maintaining purity and avoiding misuse. This strictness, the author argues, stems from the "vanik" (merchant) nature of ancestors who understood the pulse of society and established these guidelines.

Critique of Modern Interpretation and Practices

The article criticizes the modern tendency to cling to rituals and superstitions ("roodhichur" and "upmandukta") rather than understanding the underlying spirit of these regulations. It suggests that this narrow interpretation reveals a deficiency in timely awareness and foresight.

Dev Dravya as a Practical, Not Eternal, Concept

The author asserts that "Dev Dravya" is not an eternal concept but a form of "vyavahar dharm" (practical or conventional dharma), which can change according to time, place, substance, and disposition. This is contrasted with "shashwat dharm" (eternal dharma), which remains constant. The article points to the history of religion as evidence of such adaptability.

The Importance of the Middle Path and Basic Needs

Drawing a parallel with Buddhist scriptures, the article emphasizes the importance of fulfilling basic needs before engaging in religious practice. The example of Lord Buddha feeding the hungry hunter before imparting religious teachings illustrates that a satisfied stomach and a stable mind are prerequisites for understanding and internalizing dharma. The ideal religious foundation is a life of moderation, devoid of excessive luxury or extreme deprivation. Both extravagance and poverty are seen as detrimental, fostering negative qualities like pride and envy, or greed and resentment.

The Plight of the Jain Community

The article paints a bleak picture of the Jain community, which is described as being caught between superficial religiosity and abject poverty. It criticizes the wealthy Jain class for their lack of empathy towards the suffering of the poor, attributing this to their lack of direct experience with hardship. Many Jain families are depicted as going hungry, being separated from their families for work, lacking housing, and being unable to afford education for their children. The author uses the poignant image of a father weeping at the sight of his suffering child while adorned with a lakh-rupee crown as a symbol of misplaced pride and a disconnect from reality.

The Need for Societal Reform and the Potential for Change

The article argues that as times change and circumstances worsen, society must adapt. The author uses the analogy of a house needing a strong foundation; if the foundation crumbles, the structure cannot stand. Similarly, if the society that sustains religious institutions is weak, those institutions are unsustainable.

The author believes that difficult times and crises often act as catalysts for revolution and change. While the impoverished Jain population may lack the awareness or courage to directly protest the misuse of "Dev Dravya," their discontent is palpable. The article suggests that true reform arises from addressing societal problems with wisdom and that modern reformers are not enemies of religion but rather proponents of its true spirit, guided by timely understanding and the currents of the world.

Signs of Change and the Inevitability of Reform

The article concludes with a sense of anticipation for change. It suggests that the current situation, where previously unquestioned practices are now being challenged, is a sign of the times. The author believes that the Jain community will eventually recognize the need for reform and move in that direction. The example of the successful resolution of the "15 lakh" issue (presumably a financial or resource allocation matter) is cited as evidence of the community's ability to come to a consensus when faced with necessity.

The author acknowledges that the community's sentiments are not yet fully developed and that a significant push may be needed for widespread change. However, when that moment arrives, resistance will be futile. The article also touches upon the inevitability of governmental intervention when societal issues are not addressed, a consequence of the community's own shortcomings.

Conclusion

"Dev Dravyano Prashna" is a critical examination of the religious practices and financial management within the Jain community, advocating for a return to the core principles of compassion, social welfare, and the fulfillment of basic human needs as the true foundation of dharma. It serves as a call for introspection and reform, foreseeing a time when the community will be compelled to address these issues for its own sustainability and spiritual well-being.