Sanghni Ekta Khatar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sanghni Ekta Khatar" (For the Unity of the Congregation):

The text discusses a dispute within the Tapa Gachha sect of Jainism regarding the correct date for celebrating Samvatsari, a significant festival, in the year V.S. 2013 (corresponding to 1956 AD). The core of the conflict lies in the interpretation of lunar calendar dates when there are omissions (kshay) of certain tithis (lunar days).

The Problem:

In V.S. 2013, similar to V.S. 2004, there was a debate about the Samvatsari date due to an omission of Bhadrava Shud 5th. This led to different interpretations and practices within the Tapa Gachha:

One group followed a new interpretation, believing that if the 5th tithi was omitted, then the 4th tithi (which would fall on a Thursday) should be observed as Samvatsari.
Another group, including the followers of Suri Samrat (likely a senior monk), accepted the omission of the 5th tithi but, based on other almanacs that showed an omission of the 6th tithi, also decided to observe Samvatsari on the 4th tithi, which was a Thursday.
A third group, led by Acharya Shri Sagarānand Sūriśvarji Maharaj and supported by some monks in Ahmedabad, believed that with the omission of the 5th tithi, the 3rd tithi should also be considered omitted, thus advocating for Samvatsari on the 4th tithi, which was a Wednesday. This group included the monks from the Delā Upashray and the Luvārnī Pol Upashray in Ahmedabad.

The text highlights that in V.S. 2013, different interpretations were prevalent, and each group was firm in its belief, also attempting to convince others of their viewpoint.

Efforts for Unity:

The text then describes the efforts made by some individuals and groups to achieve unity and a resolution.

One type of person acted as a messenger for the "new tithi opinion," focusing on promoting reconciliation but subtly implying that the proponents of the single-tithi approach were not keen on unity.
The second type genuinely desired peace and reconciliation. These individuals worked diligently to unite both factions within the Tapa Gachha. They specifically focused on resolving the differences in observing Samvatsari so that everyone could celebrate on the same date.

The Role of Shri Vijayanandansuri Maharaj:

A significant effort for unity involved leaders from the Mumbai-Godiji-Shri Devsuri Tapa Gachha Sangha approaching various āchāryas (spiritual leaders) for a unified decision. They were advised to consult with Shri Vijayanandansuri Maharaj, as his decision would be accepted by all.

When approached by the leaders from Ahmedabad (Shri Vijayādayasuri Maharaj and Shri Vijayanandansuri Maharaj), they conveyed the community's desire for unity, stating that differing Samvatsari dates would diminish the congregation's glory. They also suggested that omitting the 3rd tithi when the 5th was omitted was appropriate.

Shri Vijayanandansuri Maharaj's Stance and Reasoning:

Shri Vijayanandansuri Maharaj was reluctant to abandon the long-standing tradition of his sect, which involved omitting the 6th tithi when the 5th was omitted. He explained his position with a well-reasoned argument:

Historical Precedent: He detailed how in previous years (V.S. 1952, 1961, 1989, and 2004), when the Bhadrava Shud 5th was omitted, many almanacs showed the 6th tithi omitted. Based on these, the monks of the Delā Jain Upashray in Ahmedabad, along with other prominent Upashrays, observed Samvatsari on the 4th tithi (Thursday). He himself had followed this practice and intended to continue it in V.S. 2013, aligning with various almanacs that indicated the omission of the 6th tithi.
Neutrality and Tradition: He emphasized that he had never engaged in debates about tithis and had always followed the unbroken tradition of the Delā Upashray, which was in line with ancient scriptural guidelines. He stated that he had not introduced any new interpretations.
Yearly Practices: He provided a year-by-year account of the practices from V.S. 1952 to V.S. 2013, showing that the majority of the Tapa Gachha had consistently followed the practice of omitting the 6th tithi when the 5th was omitted, except for the community of Sagarji Maharaj. He even cited a statement by Sagarji Maharaj in V.S. 1961, who, for the sake of unity in the Kapadvanj Sangha, accepted the almanac showing the omission of the 6th tithi, stating he would not insist on his own belief (omitting the 3rd tithi) if it disrupted unity.
Scriptural Basis and Ancestral Teachings: He presented evidence from the practices of esteemed elders like Acharya Shri Vijayvallabhsuri Maharaj, Acharya Shri Vijayanitisuri Maharaj, and others, all of whom adhered to the established traditions of the Delā Upashray, grounded in scriptures and the Devsuri Tapa Gachha tradition. He argued against adopting opinions based solely on personal conjectures, stressing the importance of following the wisdom of experienced predecessors. He also pointed out that senior monks like Shri Ātmārāmji Maharaj and others had followed the practice of omitting the 6th tithi.
Addressing Doubts: He countered doubts about the correctness of ancestral practices, advocating for sincere acceptance of their traditions.
The Origin of Disagreement: He traced the divergence of opinions to V.S. 2004, when some individuals and their predecessors, who had previously followed the omission of the 6th tithi, began to deviate.
Future Outlook: He acknowledged that in V.S. 2013, some communities might choose to observe Samvatsari on Wednesday, breaking from the established tradition. However, he reiterated his commitment to the traditional path.
Rejection of Stubbornness: He clarified that he did not hold his beliefs out of stubbornness (kadāgraha). If the congregation deemed the Delā Upashray's tradition incorrect, he was open to revising his stance, as he believed stubbornness to be the root of ignorance and suffering. His adherence was based on the conviction that the Delā Upashray's tradition was scripturally sound and correct.
Addressing Concerns about Unity: He explained that observing Samvatsari on Thursday would not necessarily lead to the perpetuation of the division within the Sangha; the division already existed. He stressed that the goal should be for the entire Tapa Gachha to celebrate on a single day.
The Advantage of Thursday: He highlighted a specific benefit of celebrating on Thursday: it often coincided with the beginning of the new year on the same day of the week. This was supported by ancient Jain astronomical practices.

The Resolution:

The leaders from the Godiji Sangha expressed their desire for Shri Vijayanandansuri Maharaj to agree to the Wednesday Samvatsari for the sake of unity. Recognizing the importance of unity and the aspiration of the Sangha, and after careful deliberation with his Guru, Acharya Shri Vijayādayasuri Maharaj, Shri Vijayanandansuri Maharaj made a significant decision.

He agreed to accept the Wednesday Samvatsari, prioritizing the great benefit of the Sangha's unity over his personal adherence to the tradition he had followed for years. He acknowledged that this decision involved personal sacrifice but was made for the greater good.

The text concludes by noting the widespread joy and appreciation for Shri Vijayanandansuri Maharaj's far-sighted decision. However, he expressed a concern about the existing differences even within the Wednesday group regarding the specific reason for omitting a tithi. He emphasized the need for consensus among all factions and senior monks to ensure true and lasting unity. He then formally conveyed his agreement to the Wednesday Samvatsari to the Devsuri Sangha leaders after obtaining the consent of his fellow monks.

Consequently, in V.S. 2013, the entire ekatithi (single-tithi) faction celebrated Samvatsari with great enthusiasm on Bhadrava Shud 4th, Wednesday.