Jinshasanna Shangar Rup Eva Sadhu Sadhvijione Soneri 39 Shikhamano

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Book Title: Jinshasanna Shangar rup eva Sadhu Sadhvijione Soneri 39 Shikhamano (Golden Teachings for Sadhus and Sadhvis, the Ornaments of the Jinshasana) Author: Gautamsagarji Publisher: Z_Arya_Kalyan_Gautam_Smruti_Granth_012034.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/230151/1

This text is a compilation of 39 "golden teachings" or guidelines meticulously prepared by Acharya Shri Gautam Sagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb (formerly Muni Shri Gautam Sagarji), the head of the Achalgachha sect of Jainism. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure the proper practice and protection of the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya) – Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) within the Sadhu and Sadhvi community.

Historical Context and Author's Role:

The preface highlights a critical period in the Achalgachha history. It describes a time when some Sadhus had become lax in their practices, adopting a lifestyle of comfort and even engaging in practices like astrology, failing to provide spiritual leadership to society.

Into this scenario, Muni Shri Gautam Sagarji emerged. Born in Pali, Rajasthan, he renounced worldly life and took full initiation in Samvat 1946 (1890 CE). He is lauded with titles like "Kriya Dwarak" (Doer of Actions) and "Kachh Halardesh Uddharak" (Savior of Kutch and Halara regions) for his significant contributions to the upliftment of the Jinshasana and the Achalgachha.

The text details his impactful journey:

• He initiated many individuals into monastic life, with approximately 700 such initiations attributed to him.
• He brought the entire Sadhu-Sadhvi community under his guidance and aimed to foster the practice of the Three Jewels within his community.
• The 39 guidelines were likely prepared by him during this period to regulate and guide the Sadhu-Sadhvi community.

The Transition to Achalgachhadhipati:

A significant portion of the text focuses on the succession of leadership within the Achalgachha. Following the passing of Acharya Shri Jineendra Sagar Suri, there was a dilemma about who should lead the Gachha. While the community had lay followers (Yatis) and those who followed a more worldly path (Gorji), the need for a spiritually elevated and dedicated leader was paramount.

Acharya Shri Gautam Sagarji, even in his old age (88 years old), was deeply concerned about the spiritual development of the Gachha. He had previously conveyed his wishes for a renunciate monk to succeed him as the Gachha leader. Despite his reluctance to hold such positions, the persistent need and the earnest requests from the community, including Shri Kshammanandji (a lay disciple of the previous Acharya), led him to accept the mantle of Achalgachhadhipati (Head of the Achalgachha) and Acharya at the Devdand Pratishtha and Suvarna Mahotsav in Ramani (Kachh) in Samvat 2009 (1953 CE). This event marked a joyous occasion and resolved a long-standing question about leadership.

The Content of the 39 Golden Teachings:

The core of the document is the list of 39 directives, which cover a wide range of monastic conduct and organizational principles. Key themes and specific rules include:

• Establishing Order and Unity:

  • Formation of a committee by the Sangh (lay community) to resolve disputes and ensure the progress of the Achalgachha.
  • The committee should work impartially and in accordance with divine principles.
  • The Sangh is considered the 25th Tirthankar and has a duty to guide monks.
  • Appointing an Acharya or Pravartak (leader) for the Sadhu community and a Mahattara (senior nun) for the Sadhvi community.
  • All Sadhus and Sadhvis must follow the directives of their respective leaders.

• Conduct and Practice:

  • Travel and Residence: Seeking permission from the leader before traveling, even for short distances. Not to stay in the same place for Chaturmas (monsoon retreat) consecutively without valid reasons, which must be communicated.
  • Companionship: Sadhus must travel in groups of at least two, and Sadhvis in groups of at least three, unless otherwise permitted by the leader.
  • Accepting Monks from Other Gachhas: Strict protocols for accepting Sadhus or Sadhvis from other Jain sects, requiring permission from the Achalgachha leader and the committee.
  • Re-initiation: Refraining from re-initiating those who have previously renounced monastic life and then left, unless deemed appropriate by the leader and the committee.
  • Penance and Austerities: Performing luch (hair-pulling) twice a year as per scriptures, with exceptions for illness or weakness as permitted by the leader. Observing fasts (upavas) regularly, except for specific reasons.
  • Possessions and Equipment: Avoiding luxurious or shiny items like metal-framed spectacles or plastic items. Not carrying unnecessary luggage from lay people, except for books. Avoiding costly blankets or rugs.
  • Correspondence: All letters and correspondence must be routed through and approved by the senior monks or the leader before being sent or received. Correspondence should be minimized.
  • Initiation of Laypeople: Before initiating laypeople, they must be taught fundamental Jain principles, scriptures, and the path of a Sadhu. Careful consideration and thorough examination of the individual's nature and sincerity are required, with the leader's consent.
  • Family Consent for Initiation: Obtaining written consent from the family of the initiate before granting initiation.
  • Washing Clothes: Sadhus and Sadhvis should not get their clothes washed by lay people.
  • Purity: Not to have a habit of drinking tea. Observing Navkarsi (abstinence until a certain time) and Pariyar (a specific type of fasting) as prescribed.
  • Service: Dutifully attending to the needs of senior monks or those sent for assistance by the leadership.
  • Discipline and Removal: Procedures for addressing insubordination and indiscipline among monks and nuns. If individuals persistently misbehave after warnings and transfers, the committee can recommend their expulsion from the Gachha.
  • Cleanliness: Sadhus should use natural cleaning agents like soapnut (ritha) and soap (soda-khar) and not apply soap to their clothes.
  • Interaction with Laity:
    • Women should not be allowed for Pratikraman (confession and repentance) in the Upashraya (monastic dwelling) where Sadhus reside, and vice versa for men in Sadhvi residences.
    • Women should not study alone with male Sadhus, and men should not study alone with female Sadhvis. Minimum of five individuals are required for such study sessions (for mixed gender).
    • Women should not be allowed to visit Sadhus' residence at night, unless accompanied by one or two men. Similarly, men should not visit Sadhvis' residence.
  • Education of Disciples: Disciples should be taught fundamental mantras, Panchpratikraman, scriptures, and philosophy before grammar.
  • Material Usage: Avoiding silk clothes, handkerchiefs, and silk coverings for religious texts. Not accepting silk muhapattis (mouth veils) or handkerchiefs for the Sthapnacharya (installed guru).
  • Embellishments: Avoiding embroidery on blankets and other items, except for minor auspicious symbols like Ashtamangalik.
  • Granting Initiation: Ordinary Sadhus and Sadhvis can grant minor initiations with the leader's permission. However, major initiations and the right to wear significant regalia require the permission of the leader and those holding specific titles.
  • Teaching and Attachment: When teaching laypeople or initiates, Sadhus and Sadhvis should not develop possessiveness or attachment, even if others are inspired to seek initiation elsewhere. They should report the qualities and shortcomings of the potential initiates to their seniors.
  • Adherence to New Rules: All Sadhus and Sadhvis must accept and follow any new laws or regulations passed by the committee with the consent of the Gachha leader.
  • Dissemination of Guidelines: A copy of these guidelines must be provided to every Sadhu and Sadhvi, and they are expected to adhere to them with love and affection.

Conclusion:

The book, compiled from a handwritten manuscript found in a Jain library, serves as a vital document for the Achalgachha. It reflects the profound dedication of Acharya Shri Gautam Sagarji to maintaining the purity, discipline, and spiritual vibrancy of the Jain monastic order, particularly within his own lineage. The 39 "golden teachings" are a testament to his commitment to upholding the sanctity of the Jinshasana and ensuring its continued flourishing.