Revati Dan Samalochna

This document is a summary of the Jain text "Revati Dan Samalochna" by Shataavadhani Muni Shri Ratnachandraji Maharaj, published by Shri Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Veer Mandal.

The text addresses a controversy regarding the "Revati Dana" (offering by Revati) mentioned in Jain scriptures, specifically in relation to Lord Mahavir. The core of the controversy, as presented in the preface and the text itself, revolves around the interpretation of certain words and the nature of the offering made by Revati.

Key aspects and arguments presented in the text:

• The Controversy: Digambar Jain scholars had accused Shwetambar scriptures of claiming that Lord Mahavir accepted meat during the Revati Dana incident. This was based on the interpretation of words like 'Kapot' (pigeon), 'Kukkur' (dog), 'Marjar' (cat), and 'Mans' (meat) in the scriptures.
• Author's Objective: Muni Ratnachandraji Maharaj, a respected scholar, wrote this critique to clarify the true meaning of these scriptural passages and to refute the claims of meat consumption by Lord Mahavir. The aim is to dispel misunderstandings and promote unity within the Jain community.
• Linguistic and Semantic Analysis: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to a detailed linguistic and semantic analysis of the key terms.
  • It argues that words like 'Kapot', 'Kukkur', and 'Marjar' are not exclusively used for animals but can also refer to plants or specific plant parts.
  • The text consults various ancient texts, including medical treatises (Vaidyak Shabda Sindhu, Vanoushadhi Darpan, Sushruta Samhita, Kaiydev Nighantu, Shaligram Nighantu), grammatical texts (Karikavali), and lexicographical works (Shabdarth Chintamani, Amar Kosh), to establish the multi-faceted meanings of these words.
  • It highlights the concept of 'anekarthata' (multiple meanings of a single word), a fundamental principle in Jain philosophy.
  • The critique also addresses the word 'Kadae' (prepared/made), arguing that 'Marjar Kadae' does not imply preparation by a cat, but rather preparation of something related to a plant called 'Marjar'.
  • The word 'Mans' is interpreted not as meat, but as the pulp or essence of a fruit, drawing parallels from medicinal texts that describe the fruit pulp of certain plants.
• Medical Context: The text emphasizes that the offering made by Revati was not food but medicine, intended to cure Lord Mahavir of an illness caused by Goshalak's Tejalesshya (a fiery emanation). The scriptures detail the symptoms of Lord Mahavir's illness, which were related to heat and bile (Pittajwar, Lohitavarchas, Dah), and the prescribed remedy would have needed to be cooling in nature, not heating like meat.
• Distinguishing Revatis: The text clarifies that the Revati described in the "Revati Dana" incident is not the same Revati mentioned in the Upasak Dashan Sutra, who was indeed of questionable character. The Revati in the "Revati Dana" incident is described as a devout follower who made offerings that led to celestial life (Devayu) and Tirthankar-nam-gotra (the merit that leads to becoming a Tirthankar). Such auspicious karmas are impossible for a meat-eater or someone engaged in unrighteous conduct.
• Critique of Critics: The author also addresses criticisms made by Pandit Ajitkumarji Shastri of the "Jain Mitra" newspaper. The author argues that Shastri misinterpreted the original intent of the "Revati Dana Samalochna" by delving into sectarian debates and misunderstanding the scriptural contexts and the distinctions between different individuals named Revati. The author defends the original work by highlighting its reliance on scriptural evidence and the principles of Jain logic.
• Emphasis on Unity: The preface and the author's concluding remarks stress the importance of Jain unity and discourage sectarian arguments that create division and animosity. The goal is to understand the scriptures correctly and to promote harmony.

In essence, "Revati Dan Samalochna" is a scholarly defense of Shwetambar Jain scriptures, aiming to prove, through extensive linguistic, semantic, and scriptural analysis, that the actions attributed to Lord Mahavir in the Revati Dana incident did not involve the acceptance of meat. The offering was medicinal, made by a virtuous follower, and the key words used in the scriptures have broader meanings that include botanical references.