Rajnagar Sadhu Sammelan Vikram Samvat 1990 Year 1934 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Rajnagar Sadhu Sammelan Vikram Samvat 1990 Year 1934," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Rajnagar Sadhu Sammelan Vikram Samvat 1990 Year 1934 Author: Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah Publisher: Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah (Jyoti Karyalaya Limited) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001752/1

This book, authored and published by Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah, documents the significant event of the Rajnagar Sadhu Sammelan (assembly of Jain monks) held in Ahmedabad during Vikram Samvat 1990 (1934 CE). The book is compiled and edited by Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah, who was also known for editing other popular series like "Bal Granthavali" and "Vidyarthi Vachanmala."

Core Purpose and Context:

The "Rajnagar Sadhu Sammelan" was convened to address the growing "unwanted atmosphere" (anishchhaniya vatavaran) within the Sadhu community of the Jain Shvetambar Murtipujak sect. The text highlights a period of spiritual decline, internal discord, and a perceived deviation from the core tenets of Jain asceticism. The sammelan was intended to be a crucial step towards restoring the dignity and purity of the Sadhu institution, resolving pressing issues within the Jain community, and reaffirming the high status of the monastic order.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is structured into three main sections:

Purvarang (Prelude): This section delves into the historical context that led to the sammelan. It discusses:
- The Glory of the Sadhu Institution: Acknowledging its historical importance and the hopes placed upon it by the community.
- The Erosion of Ideals: Detailing how internal conflicts, differing ideologies, and the infiltration of worldly influences led to a decline in the monastic order. Specific issues like the rise of "Chaitya Vas" (monks residing in temples) and their perceived lifestyle are mentioned.
- Reforms and Revivals: Mentioning efforts by prominent Acharyas like Shri Haribhadrasuri and the subsequent revivalist movements led by figures like Shri Buddhi Vijayji.
- The Growing Crisis: Highlighting the increase in Sadhu numbers without a corresponding increase in spiritual purity, leading to the rise of "disciple-worship" (shishya-meha) and other undesirable practices. The impact of Western influences and changing societal perspectives is also noted.
- The Urgent Need for a Sammelan: The text emphasizes the escalating internal conflicts, the intensification of disputes over status and possessions, and the declining respect for monks from the community as immediate reasons for calling the sammelan. The perceived necessity of addressing these issues through a collective assembly of monks is strongly conveyed.
- The Role of External Factors: The Vadodara state's "Sanyas Diksha Niyamak Nibandh" (Regulation on Renunciation Initiation) is identified as a significant catalyst, opening the eyes of the monastic community to the need for self-regulation and addressing the potential for similar legislative actions in other states.
Karyavahi (Proceedings): This is the core of the book, detailing the day-to-day events of the sammelan, which lasted for 34 days. It covers:
- Intense Debates and Discussions: The proceedings were marked by rigorous discussions, often heated, on critical issues facing the community.
- Key Issues Debated: The book highlights prominent topics like:
  - Diksha (Initiation): The age for initiation, parental consent, and the conduct of the initiating Acharyas were intensely debated. The controversy around child initiation (Bal Diksha) and the need for reform was a major point of contention.
  - Devdravya (Temple Property): The use and management of temple funds and properties were debated, with different views on how such wealth should be utilized, especially in relation to the community's welfare.
  - Sangh Satta (Authority of the Sangh): The role and power of the monastic leadership versus the lay community (Shravak Sangh) in decision-making were questioned and debated.
  - Sadhu Conduct and Reforms: The need for greater spiritual purity, adherence to scriptural rules, and addressing issues like excessive possessions and the growing influence of individual disciples (shishya-meha) were discussed.
- Disagreements and Stalemate: The proceedings reveal significant disagreements among various factions and Acharyas, leading to prolonged debates, walkouts, and a general lack of consensus on many critical issues. The book details the challenges in forming committees, reaching decisions, and the general atmosphere of distrust and rivalry that prevailed.
- The Influence of Personalities: The text highlights the differing views and the active participation of prominent figures like Shri Vijay Nemisuri, Shri Sagar Anand Suri, Shri Vijay Vallabh Suri, Muni Shri Vidyavijayji, and Muni Shri Ramvijayji, whose interactions and debates shaped the course of the proceedings.
- The Role of the Press: The book mentions how newspapers like "Jain Jyoti" played a significant role in disseminating information and fueling public debate, sometimes leading to controversies and challenges.
Pashchad Avlokan (Post-Sammelan Reflection): This section offers a critical analysis of the sammelan's outcomes and impact. It includes:
- Criticism of the Proceedings: The author, Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah, and other commentators (like Muni Shri Vidyavijayji and Muni Shri Nyayvijayji) offer critical perspectives on the sammelan's effectiveness. They point out the lengthy duration, the lack of decisive action on crucial issues, the prevalence of personal rivalries over genuine reform, and the failure to address the root causes of the "unwanted atmosphere."
- The Disconnect with the Public: The book notes the public's expectations versus the sammelan's actual achievements, highlighting the disappointment and skepticism that followed.
- The Legacy of the Sammelan: The text concludes that while the sammelan brought together a large number of monks and initiated discussions, its ultimate impact in bringing about substantive reform and resolving the core issues was limited due to internal divisions and a lack of decisive action. The book implies that the underlying problems within the Sadhu community persisted.
- Critique of Decisions: The summary of decisions shows that while some resolutions were passed on issues like initiation age and temple management, the fundamental problems of Sadhu conduct, internal discipline, and resolving inter-gach (sect) disputes remained largely unaddressed or unresolved.

Overall Tone and Significance:

The book provides a detailed, often critical, account of the Rajnagar Sadhu Sammelan. It serves as a historical document that sheds light on the internal dynamics, challenges, and aspirations of the Jain Shvetambar Murtipujak community during that period. The author's critical yet observant commentary, along with the inclusion of various viewpoints and the critical analysis in the final section, makes it a valuable resource for understanding the efforts towards reform and the obstacles encountered within the Jain monastic tradition. The book highlights the tension between tradition and the need for adaptation in response to changing societal conditions and the persistent challenges within the monastic institution.