Devdravya

The Jain text "Devdravya" by Mohanlal Sakarchandji, published in 1900 (Vikram Samvat 1673, Veer Samvat 2443), discusses the concept and importance of "Devdravya," which translates to "Divine Wealth" or "Wealth dedicated to the divine." The book emphasizes the meticulous management, protection, and proper utilization of these dedicated funds and assets within the Jain tradition.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key points discussed in the text:

1. Types of Devdravya:

• The text identifies two main types of Devdravya:
  • Sadharan Chaityonna Dravya (General Temple Wealth): Wealth dedicated to general temples.
  • Tirtha Dravya (Pilgrimage Site Wealth): Wealth specifically dedicated to pilgrimage sites.
• Tirtha Dravya is considered more important because it is primarily used for the protection and maintenance of pilgrimage sites, and it cannot be used for general temples. However, wealth from general temples can be utilized for pilgrimage site activities if needed.

2. Importance of Protecting Devdravya:

• The scriptures strongly emphasize the critical need for protecting Devdravya.
• Neglecting or causing the destruction of Devdravya incurs severe consequences, not out of fear, but as a result of natural outcomes.
• Dev Dravya is considered essential for the well-being of beings across many lifetimes, and using wealth in their devotion is called Devdravya. Protecting it is an act of devotion itself.

3. Reasons for the Deterioration of Devdravya:

• The book outlines several reasons for the mishandling and loss of Devdravya:
  • Lack of Proper Management: When a community's economic status declines, but there's no proper system in place to safeguard the dedicated wealth, deterioration occurs.
  • Negligence of Trustees/Managers: Allowing individuals who are not diligent or responsible to manage the wealth, failing to supervise them, or not actively participating in its oversight.
  • Reluctance to Help: Not providing necessary assistance or information to honest and capable individuals who are managing the wealth.
  • Criticizing Genuine Efforts: Unduly criticizing mistakes made by those in charge, or burdening them with excessive responsibilities and then distancing oneself.
  • Internal Conflicts and Mismanagement: Internal disputes and poor financial management leading to losses.

4. The Role of Scriptures and Acharyas:

• Ancient scholars and Acharyas have extensively detailed the proper management, utilization, and growth of Devdravya in numerous texts (e.g., Shrichandkevali Charitra, Shraddhavidhi, Vivekvilas, etc.).
• These scriptures provide guidance on who should manage the wealth, how it should be used, how to increase it, and the benefits of doing so, as well as the losses incurred by neglecting it.
• The text laments that despite having access to this knowledge, many individuals prioritize personal gain, become complacent, and waste time discussing these matters without taking action. They may even discourage and hurt those who are managing the wealth diligently, leading them to abandon their duties.

5. Guidelines for Managing Devdravya:

• Multiple Custodians: Scriptures recommend having at least four individuals responsible for managing different aspects of donations, with a system of checks and balances (e.g., one holds the key, another gives orders, one maintains records, and a fourth verifies). For significant withdrawals, three people should be present.
• No Lending to Individuals: Devdravya should not be lent to individuals directly. Instead, it can be invested in assets like gold, silver, or land to generate income. The ownership of these invested assets should not be in a single person's name to prevent misappropriation.
• Strict Withdrawal Procedures: Even for small amounts, withdrawal of Devdravya should not be done by a single person without proper authorization or a third party's involvement.
• Prohibition of Speculative Business: Devdravya should not be used for speculative businesses or lent to individuals involved in unethical trades. It is also generally advised against lending it to householders (shravaks) because recovering the money can be difficult due to social relationships.

6. Responsibility of Shravaks (Jain Lay Disciples):

• It is the primary duty of all Jain householders to uphold truth and manage Devdravya with utmost care and honesty.
• The responsibility for managing Devdravya rests with the Shravaks, not solely with the spiritual leaders (gurus).
• Shravaks should not entrust Devdravya to corrupt or unqualified ascetics.

7. Benefits of Devdravya Management:

• Protecting Devdravya leads to infinite merits.
• The text quotes scriptures stating that protecting temples, pilgrimage sites, or divine wealth yields infinite merits.

8. Consequences of Misappropriating Devdravya:

• Misappropriating Devdravya leads to severe negative karmic consequences and rebirths in lower realms or hellish states.
• Numerous illustrative stories (drishtants) are provided to highlight the dire consequences of misusing or neglecting Devdravya. These include:
  • The story of Sagar Sheth: Who embezzled wealth meant for temple artisans and subsequently suffered multiple rebirths in animal forms, hells, and eventually a life of extreme hardship, only finding redemption through penance and dedicating a thousand times the amount he stole.
  • The story of Shubhankara Sheth: Who consumed consecrated rice (akshata) and then gave a portion to a monk, leading to the monk's downfall and the sheth's own financial ruin and suffering.
  • The story of Karmasar and Punyasara: Two brothers who misappropriated knowledge wealth and general wealth, respectively, leading to their destitution and numerous painful rebirths.
  • The story of Varundev: A miserly businessman who failed to fulfill his pledges of donating to divine causes, leading to immense suffering in hell and animal births for himself and his wife. The story emphasizes that even a small portion of Devdravya, if not given, can nullify great merits.

9. The Role of Munis (Monks):

• Monks have a duty to intervene and prevent the misuse or destruction of Devdravya, even if it means advising, educating, or taking action against those who are corrupting it. Failure to do so makes them complicit in the sin.

10. Seven Types of Purity (Shuddhi):

• The text also emphasizes the importance of seven types of purity for anyone engaged in religious activities, especially in relation to Devdravya:
  • Body Purity (Ang Shuddhi): Maintaining physical cleanliness.
  • Clothing Purity (Vastra Shuddhi): Wearing clean and appropriate attire.
  • Mind Purity (Chitt Shuddhi): Cultivating pure thoughts, free from anger, attachment, and delusion.
  • Place Purity (Bhumika Shuddhi): Ensuring the purity of the ground or place where religious activities are performed.
  • Worship Utensil Purity (Puja Upakaran Shuddhi): Using pure and appropriate items for worship.
  • Wealth Purity (Dravya Shuddhi): Ensuring that the wealth used is acquired through righteous means.
  • Method Purity (Vidhi Vidhan Shuddhi): Following the prescribed rituals and procedures correctly.

11. Specific Guidelines on Handling Offerings:

• Fruits and other offerings that can be sold should be sold, and the proceeds deposited into Devdravya.
• If there are many devotees participating in festivals, offering sweets and similar items to them is permissible. Otherwise, they should be sold and the money deposited.
• Stored grains should be managed to prevent spoilage and insect infestation, with regular inventory checks.

In essence, "Devdravya" is a foundational text for Jains, providing a comprehensive guide on the ethical and practical aspects of managing wealth dedicated to spiritual purposes. It underscores that the integrity and proper stewardship of this wealth are paramount for both individual spiritual progress and the flourishing of the Jain faith.