Dev Dravyano Upayog Mandal Jain Sangh

This document, from "Prabuddha Jivan" in July 1948, discusses the responsibilities of the Jain community and advocates for the active use of "Dev Dravyano" (resources dedicated to deities or religious purposes) for societal well-being.

The text begins by criticizing the "What's in it for me?" attitude and contrasting it with the perceived signs of the Kali Yuga (age of discord) described in the Mahabharata. It suggests that the Jain community, despite its heritage, lacks the preparedness for self-rule and needs to cultivate its responsibilities to ensure the survival of Swarajya (self-rule). The author points to historical examples within Hindustan to illustrate the conflict between this self-centeredness and Swarajya.

The document then highlights a resolution passed by the Mandal Jain Sangh on July 14, 1948, under the presidency of Shri Devchand Nagindas Shah. The resolution addresses the changing times and the breakdown of the middle-class society, stating that the existing structure is crumbling.

Key points of the Mandal Jain Sangh's resolution:

• Active Use of Dev Dravyano: The assembly unanimously agrees that the wealth accumulated in the name of deities ("Dev Dravyano") should be actively utilized to rebuild the society.
• Nature of Dev Dravyano: It is argued that wealth designated for deities is not solely theirs, but rather a result of societal arrangements and therefore should be considered "Samajadravya" (societal wealth). Even temple and idol construction, considered to be from Dev Dravyano, can be utilized by society.
• Critique of Traditionalism: The resolution criticizes clinging to traditional, superstitious beliefs and emphasizes the need to discard them promptly. It argues that remaining attached to outdated beliefs, rather than accepting new perspectives, demonstrates a lack of wisdom, foresight, and rational thinking.
• Societal Foundation: The assembly urges all Jains to prioritize securing the foundations of society, upon which the grand religious activities depend. They believe that without this, the community will face a bleak future, citing examples of such decline in Madhya Pradesh.
• Rejection of Divisive Ideology: The Sangh expresses its strong disapproval of the view that the Jain community is separate from the Hindu community, as such separation can lead to the destruction of the smaller community.
• Call for Unity and Mutual Help: The resolution stresses the necessity of strengthening the spirit of mutual help and neighborly conduct, recognizing that Jains are one community. It asserts that humanity can only truly experience strength and glory by relying on these principles.
• Inability of Solitude: The text quotes a Russian writer, Chekhov, who suggests that miserable and lonely people are often selfish, cruel, and unjust. Misery does not unite humans; it isolates them. The Jain community is urged to embrace unity and mutual aid to avoid this isolation.
• Warning Against Foolishness: The document strongly warns against the "foolishness" of not utilizing resources for societal benefit, highlighting the danger of falling into a state of helplessness.

The text also includes a poignant anecdote about a young man who bravely rescued a woman who had fallen into a deep well. While the rescue was successful, the rescuer was forgotten and trapped in the well himself due to the ensuing chaos and lack of awareness. This serves as a stark example of societal indifference and the consequences of neglecting one's responsibilities.

Finally, the document is published by Shri Mumbai Jain Yuvak Sangh, with Shri Manilal Meghmal Shah as the editor, printer, and publisher.