Have Karvu Shu

This document is the fifth article in the "Jain Jagruti" (Jain Awakening) series, titled "Have Karvu Shu?" (What Should Be Done Now?). It addresses the pressing issues and discontents within the Jain community, primarily focusing on the ongoing debate and confusion surrounding the correct dates for observing religious festivals and observances (tithis).

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key points and discussions within the text:

1. Purpose of the Series and the Current Article:

• The "Jain Jagruti" series aims to awaken the Jain community, encourage introspection about its current state, and motivate it to address undesirable aspects.
• This fifth article, "What Should Be Done Now?", concludes the initial plan of the series.

2. The Significance of the Date Controversy (Tithi Discussion):

• The author emphasizes the critical importance of the tithi discussion, stating that there's a general sentiment in the community for a proper resolution.
• Some argue that the issue is trivial and being blown out of proportion, while the author counters that these tithis are not insignificant because they are linked to vows, rules, austerities, and community unity.
• The need for a decisive stance on this matter is highlighted as essential.

3. Critique of a Specific Argument:

• The author refutes an argument suggesting that certain tithis (like Ashtami) were established solely for the protection of greenery.
• The article argues that these tithis are also linked to specific religious practices like Pipadh, Brahmacharya, renunciation of worldly beginnings, and special austerities, as indicated by scriptural terms.

4. The Sanvatsari Debate (Chauth vs. Pancham):

• The core of the article revolves around the disagreement on the correct date for Sanvatsari, with one faction insisting on the 4th day of the lunar fortnight (Chauth) and another on the 5th day (Pancham).
• The author strongly criticizes the rigid adherence (kadagraha) to either date.
• The historical context of the Chauth vs. Pancham debate is explained:
  • It began when Shri Kalikacharya changed Sanvatsari to Chauth in Pratishthanpur, and the entire community followed.
  • In the 12th century, certain groups (like those from Anchala) insisted on Pancham to establish their own beliefs, creating a division.
  • Later, the Sthanakavasi sect, opposing idol worship, abandoned the traditional celestial-based tithi system and adopted a system based on the moon's phase (Asta tithi), thus enforcing Pancham Sanvatsari. This further divided the community.
• The author questions the notion that those who follow either Chauth or Pancham according to their genuine beliefs are necessarily misguided (mithyatvi). He draws a parallel to the debate about the existence of God or the practice of non-violence, where differing beliefs don't automatically make everyone misguided.

5. Critiquing the "Abandon Tithi Differences" Argument:

• The author disagrees with the suggestion that one should "leave the difference of tithis" (tithi-bithine bhed muki devo) and focus solely on the spirit of the observance.
• He argues that if the concept of specific festival tithis, established by knowledgeable individuals for spiritual benefit, is disregarded, it would undermine the scriptural injunctions for special observance on those days.
• Calling the distinction between tithis a "net of illusion" (bhangaal) is seen as dismissive and potentially misleading.
• The suggestion to observe the ritual on the 6th day if the 5th day is missed is deemed flawed, as it violates Jain injunctions and the intended purpose of these observances (like accruing good karma). It also leads to disunity within the community.

6. Proposed Solutions for Resolving the Tithi Controversy:

• Option 1: Convoking a Council of Monks (Sadhu Sammelan):
  • This is considered, recalling a similar council in 190 AD.
  • However, the author deems it impractical today due to the lack of central control over monks, a decline in strict adherence to scriptures, and the difficulty in finding conveners and organizers.
• Option 2: Gathering Leading Acharyas:
  • This is presented as a more practical approach.
  • Questions and Answers:
    • Who will gather them? The Shree Sangh of Ahmedabad or its leaders.
    • Who are the leading Acharyas? This decision should be left to the Ahmedabad Shree Sangh.
    • Will all Acharyas participate? It's believed they will if approached with skill.
    • What if an Acharya refuses? The author believes this is unlikely due to the presence of their devotees in Ahmedabad who can facilitate.
    • When can they meet? Ideally after the monsoon (Chaturmas), before spring (Phagun month), allowing time for decisions and invitations.
    • How will the discussions proceed? Acharyas will discuss the matter based on scriptures and tradition, possibly involving prominent lay followers (shravakas) and Sanskrit scholars.
• Option 3: A Written Submission and Collective Review:
  • If gathering Acharyas is not feasible, an alternative is proposed: each Acharya should submit a written explanation of their viewpoint, supported by logic and scriptures, to the Anandji Kalyanji firm.
  • The firm would then circulate these writings, gather responses, and have them reviewed by scholars to determine the scripturally supported path. This decision would then be communicated to the monastic community.

7. Addressing the Current Year's Sanvatsari:

• Given the time required for resolution (8-10 months), the immediate question is about this year's Sanvatsari.
• The article references the Chandrashu Panchang, which shows the 4th day of Bhadarva Sud (lunar fortnight) as the correct day for Sanvatsari this year.
• It notes the historical practice of adhering to the Chandrashu Panchang's date, even in years with a "Kshaya" (loss) of the 5th day.
• However, the author observes that different monastic lineages are planning to observe Sanvatsari on Wednesday (4th day) or Thursday (5th day).
• The "Shree Godiji Deraasar Trustees' Statement":
  • The article details a statement from the trustees of Shree Godiji Deraasar and other community leaders who approached Acharya Shri Vijaydayasuriji Maharaj.
  • Initially, the Acharya explained the traditional view of observing Sanvatsari on Thursday.
  • Later, due to pressure and a desire for unity, the Acharya agreed to observe Sanvatsari on the 4th day (Wednesday) for this year.
  • The trustees express gratitude for this concession, highlighting it as an act of grace for the community's unity.
• Critique of the Trustees' Action:
  • The author questions the wisdom of the trustees' actions, suggesting they might have exerted undue pressure on the Acharya and misrepresented his initial stance.
  • He argues that calling the unification of Sanvatsari observances across the entire lineage "not possible at present" while simultaneously claiming to work for unity is contradictory.
  • True unity, the author implies, requires significant effort and sacrifice.
  • He asserts that the "Godiji Sangh" does not represent the entire community and that their decision might lead to permanent divisions.

8. Guidance for Devotees:

• Devotees are urged to remain firm in their adherence to Jain teachings and follow what is established by scripture and tradition.
• If Acharya Shri Vijayasuriji declared Thursday as the traditional and reasonable day, devotees should observe Sanvatsari on Thursday without hesitation.
• The article encourages devotees not to become lax in their religious practices due to disagreements among Acharyas or the disunity within the community.
• They should maintain firm faith that all will eventually be well and the teachings of Lord Jinneshwar will triumph.
• Devotees should focus on their own spiritual well-being, abandon rigid adherence to wrong beliefs, and gather as much spiritual merit as possible for future lives.

9. Appendix: Scriptural Provisions on Tithis:

• The document includes an extensive appendix presenting various scriptural quotes and interpretations regarding the observance of tithis, especially in cases of their increase (Vruddhi) or decrease (Kshaya).
• These provisions generally emphasize:
  • Observing the tithi that is present at sunrise (Uday tithi) as the primary rule.
  • In cases of a tithi's "Kshaya" (loss), adhering to the previous tithi.
  • In cases of "Vruddhi" (increase), adhering to the subsequent tithi.
  • However, there are nuanced interpretations and debates within these scriptures themselves, particularly regarding how to handle situations where two tithis fall on the same day or when a tithi is partially present.
  • The appendix seems to lean towards the interpretation that one should not arbitrarily shift the observance of a festival to a different tithi if it deviates from established norms or the specific nature of the festival itself.

Overall Message:

The article is a passionate plea for clarity, unity, and adherence to scriptural principles within the Jain community. It acknowledges the deep-seated disagreements on matters like the correct dates for religious observances and proposes solutions while strongly criticizing practices that lead to further division and superficial adherence to tradition. The ultimate goal is to foster genuine spiritual progress and preserve the integrity of Jain teachings.