Prabhu Puja Swadravyathi Ke Devdravyathi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prabhu Puja Swadravyathi ke Devdravyathi" by Kirtiyashvijay, based on the provided pages:

This book, published by Sanmarg Prakashan as part of the "Pujyapada Acharya Shrimad Vijay Ramchandrasurishwarji Maharaj Smriti Granthmala" series, delves into a crucial and debated topic within Jainism: whether the worship of the Lord (Prabhu Puja) should be performed with one's own wealth (Swadravyathi) or with the wealth designated for the Divine (Devdravyathi). The text is a compilation of discourses, primarily attributed to Param Shasanprabhavak Vyakhyanvachaspati, Pujyapada Acharya Dev Shrimad Vijay Prem Surishwarji Maharaj, though the compilation and editing are credited to Pujya Muniraj Shri Kirtiyashvijayji Ganivar.

Core Argument and Debate:

The central theme of the book is a response to a contemporary debate that has arisen, questioning the traditional Jain stance that Prabhu Puja should only be performed with one's own wealth. Some individuals and groups have begun advocating for the use of Devdravya (wealth dedicated to the Divine, such as temple funds) for worship, arguing that there's no absolute rule against it and that it can even be beneficial. This has created confusion and doubt among the less informed members of the Jain community.

Scriptural Basis for Swadravyathi:

The text strongly emphasizes the scriptural injunctions that advocate for performing worship with one's own wealth. Numerous scriptural passages are cited, highlighting principles like:

• "Jinnamandire jinnapooja swadravyathi jayathashakti karvi" (Worship in a Jin temple should be done with one's own wealth according to one's capacity).
• "Poojam cha veetara-gaanam swavibhavochityena" (Worship of the Veetaragans should be done according to one's own status/wealth).
• "Vibhavanu-sarum jinam pujanam" (Worship of Jin should be done according to one's wealth).
• "Niyavihva-na-ruvam" (According to one's own wealth/circumstances).
• "Swashaktyanusarena jinabhaktih karyaa" (Devotion to Jin should be done according to one's own capacity).

The book criticizes the denial or misrepresentation of these scriptural passages by those who advocate for the use of Devdravya.

Critique of Using Devdravya for Worship:

The author and the referenced Acharyas strongly condemn the practice of using Devdravya for personal worship. They argue:

• Dilution of Devotion: Using someone else's wealth (or temple funds) for worship diminishes the personal devotional aspect and the sense of earned merit. The true benefit of worship comes from dedicating one's own hard-earned resources.
• Misappropriation of Funds: Devdravya has specific purposes outlined in scriptures. Diverting it for individual worship is seen as a misuse and potentially a form of theft or misappropriation.
• Undermining Personal Responsibility: The true meaning of 'dravya puja' (worship with material substances) for a lay follower (Shravak) is to use it as a means to mitigate the sin of attachment and accumulation (parigrah). When one's own wealth is used, it serves this purpose; using temple funds bypasses this crucial aspect.
• The Case of the Uneducated Servants: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to a parable about two servants of a wealthy and pious merchant named Abhayankar. These servants, though uneducated, understood the principle that "flowers belonging to others do not yield results for oneself." They refused to worship with the merchant's flowers, insisting on using their own (albeit meager) resources. This parable powerfully illustrates that the intention and the use of one's own resources are paramount for the spiritual benefit of worship.
• The Real Value of Worship: The true value of worship lies in the bhava (inner feeling and intention), which is fostered when one dedicates their own resources. When one's own wealth is used, it reinforces the detachment from material possessions.

The Importance of "Swadravya":

The book emphasizes that performing worship with one's own wealth is not merely a ritual but a spiritual practice that:

• Reduces Attachment: It helps to mitigate the sin of accumulating wealth and attachment to possessions.
• Fosters True Devotion: It cultivates genuine devotion and a sense of accomplishment.
• Develops Inner Qualities: It encourages mindfulness, contentment, and a spirit of giving from one's own resources.
• Earns Merit: The spiritual merit (punya) is primarily earned when one dedicates their own wealth.

The "Family Values" Section:

A significant part of the text, titled "Family Values," shifts the focus to broader spiritual principles for householders. It stresses:

• The Rarity of Human Birth: The preciousness of human life and the opportunity it presents for spiritual liberation.
• Living a Sin-Free Life: The ideal is to live a life free from sin, primarily achieved through the path of asceticism (sadhu/sadhvi life).
• Prioritizing Dharma: The importance of prioritizing spiritual pursuits over worldly possessions and relationships. True Jainism (Jainatva) means having immense love and dedication for Deva, Guru, and Dharma, even more than for family or wealth.
• The True "Family": The ultimate family is the community of spiritual seekers (Sadharmiks).

Criticism of Mismanagement of Devdravya:

The text also touches upon the responsible use of Devdravya. It criticizes:

• Mismanagement and Lack of Transparency: Some administrators of temple funds are accused of mismanaging or hoarding wealth without proper utilization for the upkeep and enhancement of religious institutions.
• The Lure of Electric Lights: The shift from ghee lamps to electric lights in temples is questioned, not just on aesthetic grounds (diminishing the beauty of the idols and aangi), but also on grounds of "maha-arambha" (great enterprise/activity involving harm to many beings) and potential over-dependence on external resources.
• The Need for Stewardship: Administrators have a great responsibility to use the wealth entrusted to them judiciously and in accordance with Jain principles, rather than letting it accumulate idly or be misused.

The Story of the Two Servants (Further Details):

The story of Abhayankar's servants is a cornerstone of the book. It highlights:

• The Principle of Ownership in Worship: The servants' refusal to use their master's flowers for worship, understanding that the merit accrues to the owner of the resource.
• The Inner Drive for Devotion: One servant, despite having very little money, purchased flowers with his savings and performed worship, demonstrating a deep desire to worship with his own means.
• The Value of Effort: The other servant, lacking money, chose to fast (upavasa) as a form of spiritual practice, showing that even without material resources, devotion can be expressed through other means.
• The Impact of Example: The servants' actions deeply impressed their master, leading him to reflect on his own spiritual conduct.

Conclusion:

The book strongly advocates that worship must be performed with one's own wealth. It decries the trend of using temple funds for personal worship as a sign of declining devotion and a misinterpretation of Jain principles. It calls for a return to scriptural injunctions and a genuine understanding of the spiritual purpose behind dravya puja. The ultimate goal for a householder is to cultivate a mindset where religious institutions and activities are cherished more than worldly possessions, and to strive for liberation, even if confined to a householder's life. The underlying message is that true devotion is reflected in the sincere and personal dedication of one's own resources, reflecting an inner transformation and a deep respect for the divine.