Devdravyadi Vyavastha Vichar

The book "Devdravyadi Vyavastha Vichar" by Acharya Vichakshansuri, published by Shri Parshwanath Jain Shwetambar Mandir Trust, is a comprehensive guide to the proper management and utilization of Jain religious funds and assets, known as "Devdravya" (belonging to the deity) and "Sadharmik Dravya" (belonging to the Jain community).

The book is dedicated to His Holiness Acharya Shri Vijayramchandra Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb, recognizing his blessings and inspiration. It highlights the need for such guidance, particularly in Hindi-speaking regions, due to a perceived lack of accessible literature on Jain principles and rituals.

Key Themes and Content:

• The Importance of Jinagya (Jain Edicts): The central theme of the book is the absolute necessity of adhering to the edicts of the Jinas (Tirthankaras). The author emphasizes that following Jain commands is superior to mere ritualistic worship, as it leads to liberation (moksha), while violating them leads to worldly bondage. Every religious act, including the management of temple properties and funds, must be performed in accordance with Jinagya.

• Benefits of Following Jinagya: The book outlines the immense benefits of managing religious wealth according to Jain teachings. These include accumulating punyanubandhi punya (meritorious karma that continues to yield good results), attaining heavenly wealth, achieving liberation quickly, and even binding Tirthankar nam karma (karma that leads to becoming a Tirthankara).

• Consequences of Violating Jinagya: Conversely, acting against Jinagya leads to severe negative consequences, including the accumulation of grave sins, rebirths in lower realms (hell, animals), and prolonged suffering in the cycle of rebirth. The author sternly warns that acting according to one's own whims and desires, disregarding Jain commands, is detrimental to the soul.

• Qualities of Ideal Trustees/Managers: The book details twelve essential qualities for individuals entrusted with managing religious assets. These include having a good family background, earning wealth righteously, being respected, coming from a noble lineage, possessing a generous heart, being resilient, intelligent, devout, devoted to gurus, possessing virtues, knowing the rules, and prioritizing Jinagya above all else.

• The Seven Fields of Religious Wealth: The text elaborates on seven specific areas where religious wealth is allocated:

  1. Jina Pratima (Idols of Tirthankaras)
  2. Jina Mandir (Temples)
  3. Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge, scriptures)
  4. Sadhu (Monks)
  5. Sadhvi (Nuns)
  6. Shravak (Male Householders)
  7. Shravika (Female Householders)

• Sources of Religious Wealth (Avak): The book details various ways religious wealth is generated, including offerings during puja, rituals like Snan Abhishek, celebrations of Tirthankara events (Kalyanaks), donations for temple construction and maintenance, offerings for guru worship, and income from various public auctions and donations.

• Proper Utilization of Religious Wealth: A significant portion of the book focuses on the correct allocation of funds. It establishes a hierarchy of purity among the seven fields, stating that wealth from a higher field cannot be used for a lower field, but wealth from a lower field can be used for a higher field if needed. For example, money for Gyan Dravya (knowledge wealth) can be used for temples, but temple wealth cannot be used for knowledge or sadhus without adhering to strict rules.

• Specific Guidance on "Swapna Boli" (Dream Offerings): The book addresses the controversial practice of "Swapna Boli," explaining that money collected from these offerings, which are made to commemorate auspicious dreams related to Tirthankara events, is considered Devdravya and should be used exclusively for temple renovation and construction, not for general expenses. It criticizes the misuse of such funds and the complicity of some religious leaders in this misuse.

• Guru Puja Offerings: The text clarifies that offerings made during Guru Puja, such as Ang Puja (worship of limbs) and Agra Puja (foremost worship), should also be considered Devdravya and utilized for temple-related activities, rather than for the personal expenses of gurus or their attendants. It cites historical examples of great acharyas who directed such funds towards temple welfare.

• Prohibition of Personal Use: The book strongly prohibits the personal use of any religious wealth by trustees or anyone managing these funds. It emphasizes that such actions are akin to theft and lead to severe karmic consequences.

• Detailed Guidelines on "Sadharan Dravya" (General Funds): The book explains that Sadharan Dravya, collected for various religious activities and often used to bridge deficits in other categories, must still be used for religious purposes and not for personal gain. It details how funds from specific accounts like Svastik, Paushtad, Ekasan, and Swamivatsalya should be managed.

• Emphasis on "Jivdaya Dravya" and "Anukampa Dravya": The text also discusses the importance of dedicating funds specifically for animal welfare (Jivdaya Dravya) and compassion towards the needy (Anukampa Dravya), highlighting that these funds are to be used exclusively for their designated purposes.

• Discouraging Lending of Religious Funds for Interest: The book advises against lending religious funds at interest, especially to non-Jains who may not understand the karmic implications of misusing such wealth. While it acknowledges that lending to non-Jains with collateral might be permissible under certain circumstances to grow the funds, it warns against the general practice of earning interest on religious assets.

• The Severity of Devdravya Misappropriation: The book repeatedly stresses the extreme gravity of misusing Devdravya, equating it to the gravest sins like harming a Tirthankara or a Muni. It uses various scriptural references and analogies to illustrate the terrible consequences of such actions, both in this life and the afterlife.

• Trustees' Responsibilities: The book outlines the duties of trustees, emphasizing the need for integrity, adherence to scriptures, prompt remittance of collected funds, diligent recovery of outstanding amounts, regular temple worship, and active participation in religious festivals and community welfare activities. It criticizes trustees who become inactive or treat their positions as opportunities for power and prestige.

In essence, "Devdravyadi Vyavastha Vichar" serves as a vital scriptural guide for the Jain community, providing clear directives on the ethical and spiritual management of religious wealth, ensuring that all funds are utilized in a manner that upholds Jain principles and contributes to the welfare of the faith and its followers.