Rajnagar Year 1988 Jain Swe Mu Pu Tapagacchiya Shraman Sammelanna Nirnayo - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Rajagari Year 1988 Jain Swe Mu Pu Tapagacchiya Shraman Sammelanna Nirnayo":

Book Title: Rajanagar Year 1988 Jain Swe Mu Pu Tapagacchiya Shraman Sammelanna Nirnayo (Decisions of the Rajanagar Jain Shvetambar Murti Pujak Tapagachchhiya Shraman Sammelan of Vikram Samvat 2044)

Author: Charuchandra Bhogilal (and family) Publisher: Charuchandra Bhogilal Parivar Year of Publication: 1988 (Samvat 2044)

Overall Purpose: This book documents the decisions and resolutions made during a significant gathering of Jain monks (Shramans) from the Tapagachchhiya lineage, held in Rajanagar (Ahmedabad) in the Gujarati month of Chaitra, Samvat 2044 (1988 CE). The primary aim of the Sammelan (conference) was to bring unity and provide clear guidance to the Jain Sangh (community) on various matters concerning religious practice, monastic life, and community management. The publication serves to inform the Sangh about these collectively agreed-upon decisions.

Key Aspects and Content:

Inception of the Sammelan: The idea for the Sammelan originated from Acharya Shri Vijay Bhadrakarsurishwarji Maharaj, who felt a need to address differing opinions and create uniformity within the community. His vision was supported by around eighty Acharyas from eighteen sub-sects of the Tapagachchha.
The Gathering: The Sammelan commenced with a grand welcome by the Rajanagar Sangh. It was held in a large pandal, attended by the Chaturvidh Sangh (monks, nuns, male devotees, and female devotees). Acharya Shri Vijay Ramsurishwarji Maharaj initiated the proceedings with auspicious verses. Representatives of the Shravak Sangh also expressed their joy and requested guidance.
Formation and Proceedings: A "Vishay Vicharini Samiti" (Subject Consideration Committee) was formed to identify topics for discussion. The formal proceedings began on Chaitra Vad Biij (April 4, 1988) and continued until Chaitra Vad Amas. Daily sessions were scheduled in the morning and afternoon. Discussions were extensive and free-flowing, with the opinions of even the youngest monks being considered. Numerous scriptural references (shastra path) were also used to support the discussions.
Key Issues Discussed and Decisions Made (Selected Highlights): The Sammelan addressed a wide range of issues, with 21 main topics being discussed in detail. Some of the significant decisions include:
- Scholarly Pursuits (Decisions 1-4):
  - Encouraging communal recitation (Samudayik Vachana) by monks during Chaturmas and post-Parushana.
  - Developing a structured curriculum for monastic life for monks and nuns, including an examination system.
  - Establishing "Mumukshu Vidyapeeths" for prospective monks and nuns to facilitate their study and training for spiritual life.
  - Focusing on the holistic development of pathshalas (religious schools), including practical approaches in curriculum and teaching methods, and encouraging monks and nuns to participate in children's religious education.
- Monastic Welfare and Conduct (Decisions 5-8, 20):
  - Addressing the practice of "Spandil-Ma" (likely referring to monastic movement or begging for alms in public spaces) to avoid public disinterest and disrespect towards Dharma. The Sangh was urged to arrange suitable lodging and places for such activities.
  - Arranging for stable residences and care for elderly and infirm monks and nuns whose physical condition necessitates it, ensuring their spiritual life is not disturbed.
  - Establishing an All-India Vaishyakarya Committee to manage facilities and care for monks and nuns in pilgrimage and wandering areas, especially where Jain population is declining.
  - Promoting knowledge and spiritual growth among nuns, encouraging them to participate in study, research, library management, and teaching Shravikas.
  - Emphasizing the responsibility of community elders to care for the welfare, spiritual practice, and any difficulties faced by monks and nuns under their care.
- Community and Governance (Decisions 9-10, 16):
  - Forming an All-India Central Committee of Laymen (Shravako ni Madhyastha Samiti) to protect Jain heritage and address various community issues, including the formation of sub-committees for practical tasks and legal expertise to counter threats to the faith.
  - Establishing a High Committee of Acharyas (Acharya Bhagwantoni Pravar Samiti) whose guidance and decisions would be considered binding for the entire Sangh, including the lay committee.
  - Proposing a "Puya Peti" (Devotion Box) scheme where each household contributes at least one rupee daily to increase common funds, with a target of one lakh such boxes initially. A committee would manage these funds, prioritizing the welfare of fellow Jains, building/renovating Upashrayas, and administrative costs.
- Religious Practices and Administration (Decisions 11-15, 17-19, 21):
  - Encouraging Jains to enter politics to protect religion and culture, supporting suitable individuals in entering local and national legislative bodies.
  - Emphasizing renovation of old temples and building new ones where necessary.
  - Providing guidance on the use of Devadravya (deity's wealth), clarifying its categories (Pujadravya, Nirmalyadravya, Kalpitadravya) as per ancient texts, and detailing permissible uses such as temple maintenance, renovation, and staff salaries, while strictly prohibiting misuse.
  - Clarifying the use of Gurudravya (teacher's wealth) for learning, welfare activities, and essential needs of monks, based on scriptural guidelines.
  - Stressing the importance of using Jnandravya (knowledge-related wealth) for preserving, transcribing, translating, printing, and reprinting scriptures, as well as supporting the studies of monks and nuns.
  - Providing guidance on Jin Pooja (worship of Tirthankaras), urging laypeople to perform the worship themselves rather than relying on hired staff, to prevent desecration and ensure proper devotion. It also advised against using addictive individuals as officiants.
  - Deciding that income from funeral rites of monks and nuns should be allocated to "Jivdaya" (animal welfare) as it is related to the departed monks' lifelong commitment to it.
  - Encouraging the transfer of ancient Jain idols from places with declining worship to places where they can be properly worshipped, and the creation of new idols only when ancient ones are unavailable.
  - Issuing a directive regarding Jinvibhaktipradhan Pujans (worship focused on Jin devotion), advocating for the teaching of ancient forms of worship like Shanti Snatra, Ashtottari Snatra, and Arhant Abhishek, and rejecting the prevalence of newer, potentially less scripturally sound worship methods.
Sorrowful Event: The book notes the sad demise of Acharya Shri Vijay Karsurishwarji Maharaj shortly after the Sammelan concluded. Subsequently, Acharya Shri Vijay Bhadrakarsurishwarji Maharaj was appointed to the Pravar Samiti in his place.
Calendar and Date-Related Decisions (Page 25-27): A specific section addresses decisions related to the calendar (Panchang) for the observance of Samvatsari (an important Jain festival). It details resolutions on handling the increase or decrease of specific lunar days (Tithi) for the correct observance of Samvatsari, aligning with community traditions and previous decisions.
Scriptural Basis: The book references specific verses from "Sambodh Prakaran" by Acharya Shri Haribhadrasurishwarji Maharaj and "Shraddhajitkalpa" to justify decisions concerning Devadravya and Gurudravya, emphasizing the scriptural foundation of these resolutions.

In essence, the "Rajagari Year 1988 Jain Swe Mu Pu Tapagacchiya Shraman Sammelanna Nirnayo" is a crucial document that reflects a collective effort by the Jain monastic leadership to provide direction, uphold traditions, and foster growth and unity within the Tapagachchhiya community in the late 20th century. It covers a broad spectrum of issues, from the spiritual and educational development of monks and nuns to the administrative and devotional practices of the lay community.