Samvat 2072 Year 2016 Na Shraman Sammelan Ange Charcha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samvat 2072 na Shraman Sammelan Ange Charcha" by Sevantilal Amthalal Mehta, based on the provided pages:

This document is an extensive discussion and critique by Sevantilal Amthalal Mehta regarding the upcoming Shraman Sammelan (Monastic Conference) in Samvat 2072 (2016). The author, writing as a devout Jain layman (Shravak), expresses his sincere concern and sense of duty to address various issues and propose solutions for the betterment of the Jain faith and its community. He emphasizes that these are his personal views and not those of any religious authority.

Core Concerns and Proposals:

The author's primary concern is to ensure the Shraman Sammelan is truly representative of the Chaturvidh Shri Sangh (the four pillars of Jainism: monks, nuns, male laity, and female laity), not just the monastic community. He believes the current direction is moving away from the original vision established by Lord Mahavir, where all four segments had equal importance and involvement.

Key Issues and Discussions:

1. Leadership and Representation:

   • The absence of the Tapagachhadhipati (head of the Tapagachha tradition) due to ill health is a major concern, leading to questions about the legitimacy and tradition of holding the conference without the highest authority present.
   • He advocates for a more structured system for selecting the Gachhadhipati, emphasizing scriptural knowledge, character, and administrative ability, with a fixed term to ensure broader participation from various monastic sub-groups.
   • He criticizes the misuse and dilution of titles like "Gachhadhipati" and suggests a more dignified approach to such positions.

2. Structure of the Sammelan:

   • The need for a detailed agenda to be shared in advance with all stakeholders, allowing for meaningful discussion and informed decision-making.
   • Decision-making process: He proposes a clear voting mechanism (majority or supermajority) and transparency in recording dissenting opinions.
   • Participant selection: A proposal for a balanced representation from various segments of the Chaturvidh Sangh, including monks, nuns, and influential laypersons (trustees of pilgrimage sites, patrons of temples, scholars, journalists, etc.).
   • The establishment of a permanent Standing Committee composed of representatives from monks, nuns, and laity to provide continuous guidance and evaluation of decisions.

3. Historical Context of Jain Conferences:

   • The author provides a detailed historical overview of past Shraman Sammelans (Samvat 1990, 2014, 2044), analyzing their objectives, outcomes, and shortcomings.
   • He highlights that earlier conferences, stemming from ancient Vachana (recitations), were focused on scripture preservation and had significant involvement from the laity.
   • He notes that while past conferences aimed to resolve key issues like child initiation and temple property, many resolutions were not effectively implemented due to a lack of lay involvement and follow-up.
   • The conferences in 1990 and 2014 were marked by controversies and a lack of clear outcomes, while the 2044 conference achieved some success in resolving issues like dates, temple property, and guru property, fostering better inter-community relations.

4. Addressing Modern Practices and Controversies:

   • Use of Microphones and Electricity (Light): The author discusses the ongoing debate within the Jain community regarding the use of microphones and electricity, referencing scriptural interpretations and scholarly opinions. He highlights the tradition of a silent and austere lifestyle of monks and questions the increased reliance on modern technology for preaching and publicity, arguing it dilutes the core principles. He points out that while some traditions use these, others maintain strict adherence to older practices.
   • Mobile Phones and Laptops: He acknowledges the pervasive use of mobile phones and laptops by monks, partly due to the constant need to connect with lay supporters. He suggests the laity has a role in this trend and that their continued involvement in soliciting monastic services might lead to further accommodations.
   • "Wada" (Monastic Resting Places): He addresses the practical issues related to the resting places for monks and nuns, especially during their stay in cities. He advocates for a pragmatic approach that balances tradition with practical needs, suggesting that local Jain communities and monastic institutions should collaborate on arrangements, potentially using solar systems or cabins. He warns against a situation where different types of accommodations emerge based on differing interpretations of monastic rules.

5. Specific Issues Requiring Urgent Attention:

   • Extensive and Unnecessary Vichar (journeys): Criticizes the long and strenuous journeys undertaken by monks and nuns for various events, leading to accidents and loss of life. He proposes consolidated "group initiation ceremonies" and other events to reduce travel and its associated costs and risks.
   • Arrangements for Elderly and Infirm Monks/Nuns: Highlights the lack of permanent, dignified arrangements for aged and sick monks and nuns, leading to reliance on families or unsuitable living situations. He suggests utilizing existing Dharamshalas (religious guesthouses) or reserving space in newly constructed monastic buildings.
   • Training for Prospective Monks/Nuns (Mumukshu Training): Advocates for a structured, multi-year training program covering languages, scriptures, philosophy, Jain history, and preaching skills, with a clear timeline for initiation.
   • Deep Research and Scholarship: Calls for promoting in-depth research into Jain scriptures and philosophy, suggesting collaboration with universities and the digitization of ancient texts. He contrasts this with the current state where fewer scholars are engaging with complex texts.
   • Study Arrangements in Cities: Proposes establishing study centers in major cities to facilitate continued learning for monks and nuns.
   • Advancement of the Sadhvi (Nun) Institution: Expresses concern about the current underutilization of the large and capable community of nuns. He suggests expanding their roles in preaching, scripture explanation, and education, drawing historical examples and scriptural references. He laments the current limited activities assigned to them.
   • Development of Dwarka: Highlights the need for a significant Jain presence and a grand temple at Dwarka, a historically important place associated with Lord Neminath, noting the current lack of Jain infrastructure in the area.
   • Celebrations of "Beshta Mahina" and Birthdays: Critiques the increasingly elaborate and ostentatious celebrations of monthly auspicious days and personal birthdays by monks, suggesting it deviates from core Jain principles and creates a focus on the individual rather than the teachings.
   • Authoritative Data Center: Emphasizes the critical need for a centralized data repository for all Jain community statistics, including monks, nuns, lay followers, temples, and educational institutions, to facilitate planning and development.
   • Reference Library and Scripture Preservation: Calls for the establishment of a central library for all Jain publications and a concerted effort for the digitization and preservation of scriptures.
   • Guidance Committees: Suggests forming expert committees (legal, medical, architectural) to provide guidance on various community matters.
   • Jain Identity Symbols (Flag, Anthem, Emblem): Proposes the creation of distinct Jain flag, anthem, and emblem to foster a sense of collective identity and pride.
   • Countering Anti-Jain Literature: Urges the community to actively address and counter literature that misrepresents or criticizes Jainism.
   • Monastic Conduct: Directly addresses concerns about the conduct of some monks, citing instances of demanding money, interrupting rituals, and engaging in inappropriate behavior, stressing the urgent need for rectification to uphold the dignity of the monastic order.
   • Child Initiation, Temple Property (Devdravya), and Dates (Tithi): Identifies these as long-standing issues that have caused division and require an amicable resolution through dialogue and compromise, rather than rigid adherence to individual interpretations.

The author concludes by expressing a desire for unity, progress, and the preservation of the Jain faith's true spirit, urging for open dialogue and decisive action based on shared understanding and respect.