Dharmdravya Vyavastha Aa Rite Thay Che Tatha Devdravyana Shastrapatho

This document, titled "Dharmdravya Vyavastha Aa Rite Thay Che Tatha Devdravyana Shastrapatho" (The System of Dharma-Dravya and Scriptures on Dev-Dravya), compiled by prominent Jain scholars including Jayghoshsuri, Rajendrasuri, Hemchandrasuri, and Jaysundarsuri, and published by Divyadarshan Trust, is a comprehensive guide to the proper management and utilization of Jain temple funds and related assets, strictly based on ancient Jain scriptures.

The book meticulously categorizes various types of dravyas (funds/assets) and outlines their designated sources of income (aavak) and expenditure (jaavak) for the upkeep and propagation of Jainism. The core principle emphasized throughout the text is the strict adherence to scriptural injunctions in all financial dealings related to religious institutions.

Here's a breakdown of the key concepts and categories discussed:

Core Principles and Justification for Dev-Dravya:

• Importance of Temples: The text strongly emphasizes that the growth of Jain teachings is directly linked to the existence and maintenance of Jain temples. Without adequate funds (dravya), temples cannot be properly cared for, repaired, or used for daily worship and festivals, which in turn illuminate spiritual qualities.
• Scriptural Basis: The entire framework for managing these funds is derived from authoritative Jain scriptures like Upadeshpad, Sambodh Prakaran, Vasudev Hindi, Darshan Shuddhi Tika, Vicharsar, Gatha Sahasri, Mulshuddhi Prakaran, Shraaddhdinakrutya, Shraaddhviddhi, Senprashna, and Dravyasaptatika, among others.
• Definition of Dev-Dravya: Dev-Dravya is understood as funds specifically designated for the Jain deity and the temple. It can originate from donations, offerings, and various ceremonies. The text cites scriptures defining it as wealth collected for the purpose of deity worship, including materials for the idol, temple construction, maintenance, and associated rituals.
• Purity of Intention: The text stresses that funds collected for divine purposes should be used exclusively for those purposes. Misappropriation or deviation from the intended use is considered a violation.
• "Kalpit" Dev-Dravya (Imagined/Designated Dev-Dravya): This is a significant category of funds. Page 4 lists various sources, including offerings during idol consecration (anjanshalaka), installation of Ganadhar statues, chariot donations for processions, offerings during gate openings, and contributions from specific rituals like janmavachan (birth readings). Offerings related to the parents of the deity, Indra-Indrani, ministers, astrologers, and attendants during consecration ceremonies also fall under this category.
• "Nirmalya" Dev-Dravya (Remnant Dev-Dravya): This refers to offerings like flowers, fruits, and sweets that are offered to the deity and then are considered nirmalya (remnants). The text discusses how these, if sold, contribute to the nirmalya fund. It cautions against buying nirmalya items and then offering them back; instead, the proceeds should go to the temple treasury.
• "Pooja" Dev-Dravya (Worship Funds): Funds specifically donated for worship materials like sandalwood, flowers, incense, and offerings. This also includes contributions made through annual or monthly donations for worship and the interest generated from them.
• "Aangi" Khata (Aangi Account): Funds collected specifically for decorating the deity with aangi (ornaments or arrangements).
• "Gyan" Khata (Knowledge Fund): Funds designated for the promotion of Jain knowledge, including the purchase and printing of scriptures, maintenance of libraries, and offerings for gyanpujan (worship of knowledge).
• "Sadhu-Sadhviji Vaiyavach" Khata (Funds for Care of Monks and Nuns): Funds for the essential needs and care of Jain monks and nuns, including their equipment and provisions during their journeys.
• "Gurupujan" Khata (Guru Worship Fund): Funds for rituals and offerings related to the respect and veneration of spiritual preceptors. However, it clarifies that angapooja (worship of the body) of a guru is not a scripturally sanctioned practice.
• "Swamivatsalya" Khata (Fellowship Meal Fund): Funds dedicated to organizing communal meals and fostering fellowship among the Jain community.
• "Sadharmik Bhakti" Khata (Devotion to Fellow Jains Fund): Funds for supporting and assisting fellow members of the Jain faith.
• "Pathshala" Khata (Pathshala/School Fund): Funds for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of Jain schools and educational institutions.
• "Ayambil" Khata (Ayambil Fasting Center Fund): Funds for supporting ayambil fasts and related facilities.
• "Prabhavana" Khata (Exaltation/Felicitation Fund): Funds used for bestowing honors, felicitations, and distributing blessings or sweets during religious events.
• "Dev-Devi" Khata (Deities' Account): Funds specifically allocated for the worship and upkeep of sub-deities or protective deities within the temple complex.
• "Pauṣadhaśālā (Upāśraya)" Khata (Monastic Dwelling Fund): Funds for the construction and maintenance of upashrayas, where monks and nuns reside during the monsoon and other periods.
• "Jivadaya" Khata (Animal Welfare Fund): Funds dedicated to animal welfare activities, such as rescuing and caring for animals, and supporting animal shelters (pānjarāpol).
• "Anukampa" Khata (Compassion Fund): Funds for acts of compassion, including providing food and medical aid to the needy, irrespective of their religious affiliation.
• "Sarva-Sadharan-Shubh" Khata (General Welfare Fund): This category encompasses funds for various general religious activities and community services that are not specifically allocated to other categories. This includes donations for honoring prominent lay followers and leaders, and contributions for community events.

Key Considerations Highlighted:

• Proper Accounting: The text stresses the importance of maintaining separate accounts for each category and transparently recording income and expenditure.
• Scriptural Fidelity: The primary directive is to always refer back to the scriptures for guidance on fund utilization.
• Prohibition of Misuse: Any use of funds contrary to scriptural guidelines is strictly prohibited. The text warns that misusing jindravya (wealth related to the Jina) leads to spiritual downfall.
• Growth and Protection: It is emphasized that increasing and protecting devadravya leads to spiritual merit, potentially even to the stage of a Tirthankara.
• Nuances in Usage: The text delves into specific details, such as the permissible uses of nirmalya and kalpit funds, the distinction between funds for different types of deities, and the proper allocation of funds for educational purposes.
• Role of Trustees: Trustees are expected to manage these funds with utmost integrity and in accordance with scriptural dictates.

In essence, "Dharmdravya Vyavastha Aa Rite Thay Che Tatha Devdravyana Shastrapatho" serves as a foundational document for financial stewardship within Jain religious institutions, ensuring that all financial activities are conducted with piety, transparency, and unwavering adherence to the wisdom of the Jain tradition. It provides a detailed roadmap for managing the economic aspects of Jain religious life, enabling the continued flourishing of the faith and its teachings.