Devdravya Shastriya Ane Vyavaharik Paribhasha - Book Summary

This Jain text, "Devdravya Shastriya ane Vyavaharik Paribhasha" (Devdravya: Classical and Practical Terminology) by Muni Shri Jaydarshanvijayji, published by Jinagna Prakashan, delves deeply into the proper understanding and application of Devdravya (that which belongs to the Divine, specifically temple property and offerings) within the Jain tradition.

The book appears to be a response to a controversial convention held in Vikram Samvat 2044 (around 1988). This convention reportedly passed resolutions concerning Devdravya that the author, and others, deem unscriptural and contrary to established Jain practices.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and arguments presented in the provided pages:

1. The Importance of Devdravya and the Dangers of Mismanagement:

The author begins by emphasizing the scriptural injunctions that highlight the severe consequences of mismanaging, consuming, or neglecting Devdravya. Such actions can lead to unfortunate rebirths and severe suffering.
Conversely, managing religious wealth according to scriptures can lead to great merit, even the binding of Tirthankar Namkarm.
This sets the stage for the critical examination of the convention's decisions.

2. The Controversial 2044 Convention and its Aftermath:

The text details how the 2044 convention, despite being intended to make scriptural decisions, allegedly made unscriptural ones due to a spirit of compromise.
Several Acharyas reportedly opposed these decisions. Following the convention, a book titled "Dharmik Vahivat Vichar" (Consideration of Religious Administration) was published, attempting to legitimize the convention's resolutions.
The author criticizes this book, suggesting it was flawed and that its revised editions also failed to rectify the inaccuracies, as they were overseen by individuals with similar unscriptural views.
It's highlighted that no other Acharyas outside the author's immediate sect certified "Dharmik Vahivat Vichar" as scriptural.

3. The Core Disagreement: The Use of Devdravya: The central point of contention revolves around the interpretation of various scriptural passages concerning Devdravya and its permitted uses. The "convention supporters" (referred to as "Sammelanvadi") present several arguments:

Argument 1 & 2: General permissibility of Devdravya for worship: They claim that scriptural texts like "Updeshpad," "Shraddhadinkritya," "Shraddhavidhi," "Dharmasangrah," "Dravyasaptatika," "Darshanshuddhi," "Vasudevhindi," and "Mulshuddhiprakaran" indicate that Devdravya can be used for worship in a general sense, without differentiating its sub-types.
Argument 3: "Kalpit Devdravya" for all temple expenses: They interpret the third category of Devdravya mentioned in "Sambodhprakaran" as "Kalpit Devdravya" (imagined or designated wealth) and assert that this type can be used for all temple activities, including salaries, renovations, new constructions, and administrative expenses.
Argument 4: Current practice and mixed funds: They argue that current monastic orders do not maintain separate accounts for Devdravya as suggested in "Sambodhprakaran," leading to funds being mixed. Therefore, the convention's decision is practical.
Argument 5: Similarity to previous conventions: They claim the 2044 convention's decision on using "Kalpit Devdravya" for salaries is a refined version of a 1990 convention's decision to allow salaries from Devdravya.
Argument 6: Support from Acharya Vijay Ramchandra Suri: They cite "Vijay Prasthan" to suggest that Acharya Vijay Ramchandra Suri also believed Devdravya could be used for worship articles.
Argument 7: Support from Acharya Vijay Ravichandra Suri: They claim Acharya Vijay Ravichandra Suri considered "Swapna Boli" (offerings received in dreams) as "Kalpit Devdravya" in his "Prashnottar: Karnika."
Argument 8: "Own wealth" rule only for private temples: They argue that the rule "Jinpūjā should be done with one's own wealth" applies only to owners of private temples, not all Jains.
Argument 9: Opposition to "Para-dravya" (others' wealth) worship is absolute: They accuse the convention's opponents of strictly prohibiting worship with "Para-dravya," which they deem unscriptural.
Argument 10: False accusation of taking "Swapna" income into general funds: They claim opponents falsely accuse the convention of diverting "Swapna" income into general temple funds.

4. The Author's Rebuttals and Scriptural Analysis:

The author systematically refutes these arguments, providing detailed scriptural analysis:

On General Devdravya for Worship: The author states that scriptures always consider all sub-types of Devdravya when discussing general permissible uses. The texts cited by the convention supporters include Devdravya offered for devotion and Devdravya in the form of devotion itself. The author argues that the wealth offered for the purpose of devotion should be used for devotional activities. This understanding, the author claims, is subtle and may be missed by those lacking deep scriptural knowledge.
On "Kalpit Devdravya" and Temple Expenses: The author meticulously analyzes "Sambodhprakaran," explaining the three categories: Pūjā Devdravya (used for items directly offered to the deity like sandalwood, saffron), Nirmalya Devdravya (proceeds from selling offerings like fruits, clothes, used for temple activities other than direct worship, or as ornaments), and Kalpit Devdravya (wealth designated by wealthy donors for temple maintenance). The author stresses that "Kalpit Devdravya" in "Sambodhprakaran" does not explicitly include "Swapna Boli" or similar offerings. The convention's attempt to include these under "Kalpit Devdravya" for all temple expenses is deemed unscriptural.
On "Swapna Boli" and Other Offerings: The author clarifies that offerings like "Swapna Boli" are generally considered "Nirmalya" or "Devka Sadharan" (common temple property) and are primarily meant for renovations and other temple maintenance, not for direct worship materials.
On the "Own Wealth" Rule: The author argues that the rule about using one's own wealth for worship is applicable to all Jains, not just private temple owners. The distinction made by the convention supporters is considered an attempt to distort scriptural meaning.
On the Use of "Para-dravya": The author clarifies that they do not advocate for an absolute prohibition of worship with "Para-dravya" but rather encourage using one's own wealth for worship as the ideal scriptural practice.
On the Interpretation of "Vijay Prasthan": The author disputes the convention supporters' interpretation of "Vijay Prasthan," stating that Acharya Vijay Ramchandra Suri's views were misunderstood or misrepresented. His writings actually support the distinction between different types of Devdravya and their appropriate uses.
On "Dharmik Vahivat Vichar" and Acharya Vijay Ravichandra Suri: The author addresses the claim about Acharya Vijay Ravichandra Suri, stating that his last will and testament rectified any potential misunderstandings.
On the "Shatkhetra Sadharan" vs. "Jinpūjā Sadharan": The author clarifies the distinction between funds for general temple maintenance ("Shatkhetra Sadharan") and funds specifically for deity worship ("Jinpūjā Sadharan"). The convention's attempt to merge offerings like "Swapna Boli" into general temple expenses is seen as a violation of tradition and scripture.

5. Key Scriptural Passages Cited: The text extensively quotes and analyzes verses from various Jain scriptures, including:

Shraddhadinkritya
Darshanshuddhi
Sambodhprakaran
Dravyasaptatika
Mulshuddhiprakaran
Shraddhavidhi
Vasudevhindi
Updeshpad
Dharmasangrah

Conclusion of the Author: The author concludes that the resolutions passed by the 2044 convention regarding Devdravya are unscriptural and contrary to well-established traditions. He strongly advises against following these resolutions and urges followers to adhere to scriptural guidelines to avoid negative consequences. The book aims to provide clarity on the classical and practical definitions of Devdravya to prevent its misuse and uphold the sanctity of religious donations.