Sadhu Sadhvi Shibir Sanyojna

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sadhu Sadhvi Shibir Sanyojna" by Muni Nemichandra, based on the provided pages:

This document outlines the concept and objectives of a "Sadhu Sadhvi Shibir" (Assembly/Camp for Monks and Nuns), emphasizing the need for a reform and revitalization of the monastic community to better serve society and the world in the modern era.

The Core Problem Identified:

The text begins by lamenting the current state of many sadhus and sadhvis. While historically revered figures who contributed to Indian culture and societal well-being, the author contends that many have become:

• Irresponsible and Service-Less: Detached from their societal duties.
• Sectarian and Dogmatic: Confined to their specific sects and traditions.
• Superstitious and Superficious: Focused on outward rituals, personal veneration, and the patronage of unethical wealthy individuals.
• Inactive and Complacent: Lost in a "deep slumber" while the world faces destruction, decline, and moral decay.
• Lacking in Moral Authority: Contributing to the rise of characterlessness, luxury, injustice, exploitation, corruption, cruelty, selfishness, and attachment in society.

The author warns that if this trend continues, the dwindling public faith in sadhus and sadhvis will disappear, leaving them with no place in society.

The Need for Sadhus and Sadhvis in the Modern Era:

Despite the criticisms, the document asserts that sadhus and sadhvis remain essential. Their progress, as opposed to mere material development, is crucial for societal advancement. The modern world requires sadhus and sadhvis with a:

• Broad and Comprehensive Vision: Capable of inspiring morality and dharma in all aspects of life (social, economic, political, cultural, educational, spiritual).
• Revolutionary Spirit: Willing to proactively address societal ills and guide the world towards positive change.
• Universal Compassion: Acting as parents, protectors, and brothers to all living beings.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks for Modern Sadhus and Sadhvis:

The text outlines numerous critical areas where the monastic community should actively engage:

1. Promoting Global Harmony: Bridging the gap between nations and hearts, resolving tensions through peace initiatives and the propagation of ahimsa (non-violence).
2. Strengthening Social Organization: Inspiring and organizing community efforts based on truth, ahimsa, justice, and morality. This includes:
   • Organizing villages through religious strength for pure people's power.
   • Forming associations of selfless public servants dedicated to societal reconstruction.
   • Mobilizing the religious and cultural power of women.
   • Strengthening national institutions like the Congress party by aligning village organizations and constructive worker organizations.
3. Combating Moral Decay: Addressing widespread dishonesty, corruption, bribery, injustice, and exploitation, as government alone cannot solve these issues.
4. Improving Democratic Structures: Providing the necessary inspiration and guidance for effective and honest leadership in village Panchayats, cooperative societies, and other local governance bodies.
5. Eradicating Injustice and Oppression: Actively working to remove injustice, atrocities, and exploitation through mediation or collective ethical practices.
6. Challenging Superstitions and Bad Customs: Eliminating prevalent superstitions and harmful traditional practices within society, castes, and religious sects.
7. Fostering Universalism and Harmony: Countering hatred and discord caused by sectarianism, casteism, linguistic regionalism, racism, and blind nationalism. Promoting empathy, integration, and mutual understanding.
8. Empowering the Citizenry: Cultivating the ability and wisdom in people to truly embrace and utilize democracy, and to exert moral pressure on state institutions for public welfare.
9. Resolving Cultural Issues: Addressing the cultural challenges of the nation and the world, and building humanity.
10. Reforming Education: Making education vibrant and meaningful, instilling values of service, good conduct, and humility in teachers and students alike.
11. ** Uplifting the Downtrodden:** Working for the holistic development of backward, exploited, and oppressed communities, and instilling moral and ethical values in them.
12. Empowering Women: Making women strong, dignified, wise, and capable of non-violently resisting injustice.
13. Improving Family Life: Providing guidance to families struggling with conflict, lack of peace, and dissatisfaction due to ignorance, selfishness, lack of restraint, and bad habits.
14. Promoting Health and Hygiene: Guiding people towards physical and mental well-being and clean living.
15. Instilling Service and Devotion: Teaching people to imbue all their professions and activities with a spirit of service and devotion.
16. Providing Solace and Guidance: Offering comfort and support to those experiencing mental distress, illness, grief, and sorrow, and teaching the principles of karma and detachment.

Reasons for the Current Failures of the Monastic Community:

The document identifies several key reasons for the perceived ineffectiveness of many sadhus and sadhvis:

1. Lack of Broad Vision: Many lack a comprehensive understanding of how to inspire morality and dharma in all life's spheres and how to integrate different religions.
2. One-Sided or Narrow Perspective: Some focus only on their own sect, while others may try to synthesize religions or focus on urban populations, neglecting rural areas.
3. Inadequate Knowledge: Many lack the necessary knowledge of modern subjects like geography, history, politics, economics, sociology, and science, relying solely on old scriptures.
4. Misinterpretation of the Past: Some present the past in a way that is irrelevant to contemporary issues, failing to adapt traditions to the present context.
5. Association with Power and Wealth: Many engage with feudal lords and capitalists, seeking prestige and financial gain, which compromises their ability to speak truth and offer genuine guidance. They become dependent and lack independent authority.
6. Misunderstanding of Sadhuta (Monasticism): Some mistake inactivity and detachment from worldly affairs for true sadhuta, failing to recognize that genuine self-upliftment comes through selfless service.
7. Sectarianism: Many are bound by their sects and criticize other sects, hindering spiritual growth and collective religious efforts.
8. Attachment and Fear: Despite renouncing worldly life, many become attached to their sects, institutions, positions, and reputation. They fear criticism or ostracism, preventing them from speaking out against injustice or advocating for necessary reforms.
9. Lack of Collaboration: Some operate in isolation, unwilling to collaborate with or seek advice from other spiritually minded individuals, leading to scattered efforts.
10. Suppression of New Ideas: Gurus or elders sometimes suppress progressive ideas from younger monastics, stifling their potential.
11. Need for External Support: Some reform-minded sadhus and sadhvis require the support and encouragement of principled individuals like Mahatma Gandhi's followers to break free from the hold of conservative elements.
12. Superficial Austerities: Some perform outward austerities for show rather than for genuine spiritual or social purification, which weakens their ability to resist societal injustices.

The Proposed Sadhu Sadhvi Shibir:

The document proposes the organization of a "Sadhu Sadhvi Shibir" to address these issues. The key aims and principles of this Shibir are:

• Name: Sadhu Sadhvi Shibir
• Inspiration: Muni Shri Sant Balji
• Objective: To empower sadhus and sadhvis to actively practice universal love, utilize their potential, connect all aspects of the world with a spiritual perspective, and become worthy of global connection. It aims to foster vision, efficiency, and strength, provide experience, guidance, and support, enabling them to fulfill their monastic path, achieve self-welfare, and contribute to world welfare.
• Management: A temporary organizing committee of householders will manage the Shibir.
• Principles:
  • Open to sadhus and sadhvis of all faiths and sects, without requiring them to abandon their traditions.
  • Participants must be forward-thinking, revolutionary, and contemplative, supporting the expansion of the monastic sphere and working for public welfare within their limits.
  • Participants must submit an application for acceptance by the organizer.
  • Individuals attend in their personal capacity, not as representatives of their sects, though they may nominate a representative.
  • Flexibility regarding traditional attire, diet, and inter-sectarian interactions is encouraged.
  • Others besides sadhus and sadhvis (e.g., ascetics, Brahmacharins, seekers, constructive workers) can participate with prior approval.
  • No caste or gender discrimination.
  • Emphasis will be on inner qualities like commitment, character, self-control, and intensity of service, rather than external attire or practices.
  • Participants must adhere to basic principles, maintain strong character, and practice controlled begging.
  • No accusations against individuals or sects.
  • Philosophical and doctrinal discussions are permitted as long as they don't cause disruption.
  • The Shibir is planned for four months, and participants must remain for the duration unless granted permission to leave.
  • Special programs will be arranged for local and external constructive workers and villagers.
• Educational Aspects: The Shibir will offer opportunities for learning modern subjects relevant to societal service, including sociology, politics, education, science, geography, history, storytelling, logic, various philosophies, and the integration of dharma.
• Key Discussion Points: The Shibir will deliberate on improving the monastic institution, identifying and addressing "non-monastics" within the order, making the monastic community more useful, removing unnecessary burdens, overcoming obstacles in the path of monasticism, considering rules of conduct, implementing reforms according to time and place, defining duties and responsibilities, and discussing standards of living, honor, rights, and the limits of possession.
• Future Organization: The possibility of forming a unified organization of sadhus and sadhvis based on purity and goal achievement, rather than sectarian differences, will be considered.
• Support and Resources: The organizing committee will provide necessary support for the Shibir's activities, including publications and travel arrangements.
• Logistics: Separate accommodation will be provided for male and female monastics. Food will be obtained through alms.
• Communication: The location and timing of the Shibir will be announced soon.

In essence, "Sadhu Sadhvi Shibir Sanyojna" is a call to action for the Jain monastic community to re-evaluate its role, embrace contemporary challenges, and actively engage in societal transformation with a spirit of universal compassion and ethical leadership.